Onyx Owl Observations

Green Canyons and Little Rocks

2008-03-27T12:55:00.013-05:00

Being a lovely summer morning, I took a few more shots at the valley and then ran up the view tower, an old (been there all My life, anyway) wooden construct for daring tourists to conquer and take in some fresh air and scenery and wriggly kids to work off pent-up energies by. A test of one's ticker, at the least. But worth the climb when you're up for it and it isn't too hot or cold or windy or whatever...definitely stretches the limbs after being cramped up in a car for a while.

Buffalo River.

Scenic Point sign. You know you're in the Ozarks by those wooden shingles. They're an icon.

Wheee, looking down at my car, and a few other things. (No, no fear of heights...fear of landing is an entirely different matter, lol.)

View from within the wooden tower. Quintessential Arkansas here.

All about in the dark shadows of the wooden tower, walking sticks were busy making...more walking sticks. Apparently this was also the walking stick love shack. I've never seen so many huge ones congregated in one area!

This time the gift shop was open so I spent awhile gawking at the wares, and ended up buying more little stone critters. Then I went on to the next scenic stop, same one I'd seen the gorgeous Milky Way view in on the way up. I explored those fascinating plants some more. Somewhere in the back of my mind I kept thinking they were passionflowers or maypops (though I don't remember why I'd think that). I was later delighted when I looked them up on the internet and found that was exactly what they were! I have sticky brains, for what good that may be.

Ozark landscape flora...

Gotta even out the pretty with the devilishly fascinating. Here's a web-tent full of tent worms. Kinda neat...especially if you're a wasp. Then it's a grocery bag.

Last snap at the oldest mountain range on the planet...

With a passionflower chaser.

I spent some great time at Coleman's, a cool rock shop down the way, and at another place, and even snagged a couple of things in Hot Springs. I crossed back over the little lakes and retirement villages and grand resorts around Hamilton Lake and thought I'd get out and stretch a few minutes at Caddo Lake, but the turn I made led into a pay beach so I stopped and looked at my map--looking lost and stupid I got some park ranger directions. Not so much because I was really lost, but there was no way to turn around without going through the toll booth and I didn't want to pay a day use fee for a quick not-important picture. Oops. Fortunately the nice ranger let me turn around and told me how to get to the main highway, and I did that and headed on out of Arkansas.

Home again home again jiggety jog...I toodled along in the annoying afternoon light towards Dallas. Somewhere along the way I got gasoline, a soda, and some black walnut ice cream (another weakness). "Nutrition" and fueling attended to, I also warned Nancy C. that I was in the state, though didn't know when I'd be in Waco...probably not for dinner. The drive home was interesting--I saw a trucker pull over and get out and then his rig caught on fire! Later on the opposite side of the highway, I saw a car slam into something and a lot of us nearly slammed into each other since people started rubbernecking and stopping to get out. The ambulance came a good time later, but enough people had gathered around the wreck that they didn't need more. Must be something in the air. Indeed, I got in Dallas after dark and nearly missed becoming a statistic myself since the van in front of me suddenly fell off its axle or hit something as I was trying to get into the correct lane to merge toward Waco. That can be startling with a soda in your mouth. snort Dallas is never a fun place to drive in, though. Add this clutzy-clutchiness in the stars thing and it's rather scary...

But I managed to get to Waco, and find Nancy's place, and she generously took me in for the night, and even let me go again in the morning. Packed my stuff back into the minivan, tetris-style, and had a leisurely time of coffee and bird-watching out her window before bidding fond goodbyes. On I drove until I had lunch around San Marcos and called my sis to tell her I'd be there soon enough, and I made it all the way back home with light still left for unpacking. I emptied the car and did a few chores. I even plugged in the cooler and discovered to my awe that it had thoroughly dried out along the trip home so it was in ok working condition, if rather beat up (I cleaned it and later stuck it back in the back of the car for shopping...its present lack of a handle made it a bit cumbersome for anything else, but that's what I used it for 99% of the time anyway, so no biggie). My older jumper-battery didn't want to power anything heftier than a cell phone any more, though, so I retired it. Did banking, caught up with sister, bought some reading glasses, scrubbed and cleaned and slept oh-so-comfy in my own bed...oddly enough I haven't needed the glasses too often since. I do have problems seeing up close, but it is mostly defined by how tired I am. Sigh, getting old, finally. Darn it, figured I'd skip all that. Anyone can do THAT...;-)

Reintarnation

2008-03-27T11:11:00.016-05:00

I read that "reintarnation" was the act of being born again as a hillbilly. Technically speaking I was born a hillbilly this round, but in this particular instance I'd say it was heading back to the hills. After gassing up in St. Louis I floored it going west. Too late in the day to do much else, and there is nothing so delightful as driving straight into a setting sun. (ow)

Eh, who needs to see and drive, both?

I made good time and crossed Missouri, dragging in to Springfield late in the evening. Needed to get some gas to be on the safe side (not to mention it was cheaper than in northern Arkansas) and it took a little while, but I found an acceptable pump at a convenience store. Unnerved a bit since it wasn't taking my card--thought, oh no, now what?--but it hit me that though there were no signs posted to the contrary, the pump simply didn't take that card so I gave it another one and it was content. Then I aimed my buggy south.

While I knew it wasn't the best idea to drive through the Ozarks in the dark in the wee hours when I was bushed, I wanted to make the Harrison reststop my camp. After numerous curves and some useless scenic view spots, I did make it there and tossed back the front seat and napped. Here it was hot and muggy, though, so konking out took a little doing, all the same.

But I got some rest, at least until the misty crack of dawn, when some fellow in a pickup pulled up to the payphone and had a heart-to-heart with his honey. Not that that is odd or funny, but since few others but some squirrels and early birds were about, he came off as rather loud, and went on for a couple of hours. Definitely getting his money's worth, LOL. When he finally completed his catch-up call, I got out and went to the welcome center restrooms to get readyish for the day, since I didn't seem to be getting any more sleep anyway. On this trip I found a wallet, and pondered on what exactly to do about it, given where and when I was. No one would be at the welcome center for hours, there was nowhere to really leave it...I looked inside for info and apparently it was a young man's. But he didn't live in the area, and there wasn't anything exciting in it but a few discount cards and a little change, though there were a couple of IDs he might need. So I figured I'd just take it in to the Harrison police. Not part of my travel plans, but, hey...

So I set off to find Andy and Barney, but passed a sign for the State Police along the way and decided this was more in their purview, since I was still outside of Harrison. I went down that road and stopped in. I didn't see anyone at home, but heard a voice behind me--one lone lady cop on duty Sunday morning. I told her I found the wallet at the reststop and she said to leave it on the counter. I did. Then I left. That was less involved than I'd thought. Being a walker I've found wallets before, and returning them ranges anywhere from a yeah-okay-thanks-we'll-take-care-of-it to a theft report/prove you aren't the one who took it. Never know who will handle things what way...

Swung into town and took a stroll around Wal-Mart, then ran around Harrison a few times. Probably ran around Hudson's (grocery) and a few other places too. Used to live here, still have some relatives in the area. Being Sunday morning, little was open or available except some eateries and churches. I debated about contacting my relatives...while it seemed the hospitable thing to do on the surface, I finally decided that unless they tripped over me, it would be too disturbing to call and say I was in town and under their noses right when they were getting prepped for church (or there already), since I couldn't stay very long. I had to be at work on Tuesday and still needed to stop in Waco at a decent hour, so I had to keep on truckin'. I gave the universe fair chance and went to McDonald's for breakfast, though. Something I rarely ever do, but I thought I'd live it up and got a breakfast platter and a cappucino. Read my paper and saw the weather on TV there, too, but it was an adventure all the same. To be fair it was pretty busy, with all the retiree tourists and pre-church folk and farmers...but the kid got my order wrong, 3 or 4 times, and I kept popping back up to the counter like a yo-yo, trying not to embarrass the kid or seem like I was a difficult customer...but I kinda wanted at least what I'd paid for. First part of the breakfast was missing, then she forgot the cappucino, then there were no condiments (and self-serve stuff was empty) and again I found I needed some sort of utensil to eat with, none being around...Finally I figured it was close enough and ate what I had best I could, lol. Rolled past a few more old haunts, noting all the changes in town (plenty!) and headed back down Scenic Route 7 South.

Since I came up that way I hadn't planned on going back down the same path, but as I'd found out earlier in the year someone I'd planned to visit in Central Arkansas didn't want to see the likes of me, apparently, I thought I'd stay on a different road; plus I finally had an opportunity to hit the rock shops during daylight hours. Hopefully they'd be open on Sunday....There are some nifty rock shops on Hi 7, and carved stone figurines are a weakness of mine (as you can tell by the name of this blog). I often feel stupid spending good money on rocks, but everyone has their odd little passion. Anyway it's hard to find good additions to my collection these days, since I have most of the basic items and few places left to display anything. But I love to look.

I don't remember if I saw elk this trip or not. Sometimes you can catch site of a few deer or elk if you are around early enough. Again I stopped at Scenic Point, and took an array of photos of dawn over the Buffalo River Canyon area. Later I put them all together to make one big panoramic view. One of these days I should go down to the actual river!

Northeast to

Southeast. Here's the whole Ozarks package. (shrunk a bit to fit, though) Maybe I should have gone into geology. Well, Taureans are earthy sorts.... ;-)

A Day Spent Musing

2008-03-17T02:44:00.010-05:00

I had known about the existence of the Art Museum but I'd never gotten around to inspecting it, but discovering that there was also a Museum of History was a complete surprise. I did circle the park again and meant to check out the zoo for a little while, but either it wasn't open yet or that day or I found something else to distract me before I found an open entrance. At any rate I went to the History Museum.

It was an impressive place, complete with gift shop and upscale eatery, with a few special exhibits requiring admissions in addition to the bulk of the museum's historical offerings. The bad thing about the place was the parking...there was only a little of it near the building, and that was complicated with one-way channeling and scary roundabouts. If you went to the back before finding a slot, you'd end out on the main street outside of the park, where due to road construction or something, it was traffic hell. Consequently it also took some time and effort to turn around and get back into the park to try again. After going on that merry-go-round a few times, I just parked on a side road. It was a good walk from the museums and my feet were already making me wince, but at least it was a spot easy to get to and see.

I explored the place best I could, including the gift shop. I didn't go into any of the special exhibits since I really wanted to see as much as possible (if I paid for something I'd feel obligated to absorb every crumb of information available...plus, unless it's really grand, well, I'm just cheap, heheh). A good part of the museum was devoted to the (1904) World's Fair...the park was once the fair grounds and the buildings, etc. a part of that. Ah. Lots of early twentieth-century stuff. I can relate. Hemisfair Plaza in downtown San Antonio is similar. Well, that one was in 1968, but space-wise it's a fair-days remnant...

There was also a monument or so to Thomas Jefferson... TJ's democracy and freedom themes are honored in many St. Louis monuments (Jefferson Memorial Gateway Arch, for example).

He makes for a handsome statue, indeed.

There were other statues and intriguing tidbits; there was a room on Lindbergh and, naturally, the Spirit of St. Louis. In fact one of the special exhibits was about the history of flight, I think.

Flying overhead, a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis. I toured the Lindbergh room, but did not opt for the whole history of flight exhibit. There was plenty on other things, stuff about St. Louis proper, exploration and history of the area (Lewis & Clark, etc.)...and there was an interesting room exhibit of American wedding dresses throughout time. No flash allowed and it was a very dark room, so I didn't bother with pictures. I didn't think it'd be too interesting at first, but some of the dresses were pretty old and did have some intriguing histories attached to them. There was a tour group of Red Hat ladies going through, so I caught a little extra info here and there. A few dresses were quite pretty, some were simply practical, the 1970's lace pantsuit was actually very attractive...it was something to find out that a white wedding dress was a very new concept as far as the bridal gown went. Apparently anything would do, but blues and greens were preferred for the most part.

When I figured I'd had enough St. Louis history, I hobbled back to the car and found my way to the Museum of Art. This sat majestically on a hill overlooking a large and long reflecting pool with fountains, which some folks were getting ready to use as the backdrop for a wedding, it seemed, judging from all the tuxed types and limos and folding chairs at the bottom of the hill. A regal statue of St. Louis guarded the front of the art museum.

Dramatic view of the Missouri Saint. Well, the statue. Not the actual fellow.

Missouri Museum of Art. The special exhibit was on Napoleon. As it was I barely had time to run through the museum, much less tour the special exhibit, though. There were several floors, too. I even recognized a number of pieces as well as the artists. They had a maybe-Rembrandt or two, the dancer statue by Degas, one of Monet's big waterlily works, and several other well-known items. And many not-so-well-known but still fascinating pieces in their collections, including furniture, weaponry, and a variety of other types of artistic creations.

But they had to close up before I could finish, so I ran through some areas to "skim" through and finally left the premises, taking a few parting shots before leaving the park. I still had to find gas, which took some time since I didn't see any stations on the immediate route I was taking, and wound up finding it well off on Watson Road of all places (which I also found later to be the address of a company used by the library I work in). Small world, eh? At any rate by early evening I bid St. Louis adieu.

St. Louis and the Dinosaurs

2008-03-17T01:34:00.013-05:00

I wonder if that's anything like St. George and the dragon?

T. Rex is sneaking around behind the pine needles...

T. Rex's constant foe and companion, Triceratops, looks like he's found some tar pits. Actually the black strips are black plastic that's come up from under the gravel. Seems like Triceratops is compacting the garbage, though.

Tyrannosaurus Rex is looking bright and cheery against the grey morning sky.

Perhaps instead of sparring, he's about to suggest they go out for biscuits and gravy just this once.

I had to run around a bit but eventually the Science Museum opened and I went in to do some quick exploring, preferably the areas I hadn't done too much before on the other side of the complex. The Science Museum extends over the highway to another building, so there's usually quite a bit to explore if you have the time. Even the walkway is worth a few moments to stop and look down at the cars speeding by, and there are radar guns to point at them to see just how fast they are zipping past. So I glanced over the stuff I'd seen numerous times (though I can always make a whole day disappear at a science museum) and played with some of the newer things, and stayed a little while in the medical section.

Even met a nice fellow just hanging around.

There was a lady there too, but she was very transparent. She obviously felt boxed in.

Actually I was pleased and surprised the shots came out. Digital cameras Are neat.

I poked about in other areas, upstairs and down. There was a paleontology section and nearby, a large animatronic dinosaur display. It's one thing to stumble on a few staid dinosaurs in the park; it's another when they move and roar at you inside the building. The exhibit was fun to watch just for people's reactions to it...

I watched the real scientist

working with the fossils, went into the strange pressure-sealed room, gave the gift shop one or two goings-over, and finally pulled myself away. But not before getting a few parting shots of the robot lizards up close and personal.

The pterodactyl kept pretty much to himself, though. No one wants to mess with T. Rex.

Meet Me In St. Louis

2008-03-17T00:19:00.008-05:00

I'd survived the storm but was starting to get a bit tired. All the same, I wanted to have some fun, and a nice place to have some fun is in St. Louis. There are a few places yet in the general area I'd like to explore some day, but weather was still a concern at the moment, so I wasn't sure where to go in regards to being interesting while not bound to cake my shoes with mud...I wanted to get a few shots of the arch with my digital camera, but I wasn't in the right lane and it wasn't such a big deal that I wanted to turn around. So I went into Missouri, over the Mississippi River early in the morning, passing the arch and heading towards Forest Park. Usually I go to the zoo and the science museum and the day is over, so I was debating about doing something different. I considered going to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, but I wasn't sure it was open at the time. So I went to the park and drove around to a different area. There was a sort of welcome center and café in one area, so I parked and walked to that. Many joggers and runners were about; apparently there was even some organized event going on, judging from tables of food and signs and joggers milling around. Anyway I went into the center and looked around, used the facilities and collected an assortment of brochures and maps and sat down to look them over. There were some cool science things, but also some immediately useful info. Turned out the Botanical Gardens were free or cheap at a certain time, if I wanted to go then; but also there were several museums in the park I'd never been to, that were free as well. Since it kept threatening rain, that was an appealing option. I decided I'd do whatever was open, wherever I was closest to at any given time.

So I wandered back out and started walking to see what was in the vicinity. That seemed to be a pond with a gazebo. The weather was spitty so I wasn't sure how far to go--at first I just kept near the little lake and tested taking pictures in the grey light.

Here's a weeping willow and clusters of other flora.

The park gazebo...well, bandstand actually, I guess. Nice echoing reflection.

Flowers were planted all about...

On the other side of a large patch of rose bushes was the Municipal Theatre. At the time I didn't know that...all I could see were a lot of colorful flags and banners. But later I walked around and discovered it was a fancy place for actors to do some board stomping. Or trodding.

Facial farding. Other emotive operations...

Then I walked back by the bandstand and around the pond, and decided to see if the Science Museum was open yet. Or anything else. Unfortunately it was still too early for most things, just...so I walked behind the Science Museum to greet my old pals, the dinosaurs. I don't know how long they've been at it there, but I think they must have gotten some fresh paint at some point. They looked a little different. Of course, I don't think the tree had fallen on them before. And I tried to get different angles of them, so they'd look slightly more realistic. Eek, what you find while walking in a Missouri forest!! Tyrannosaurs and triceratopseseses!

Three Rivers Michigan, Vacation Paradise

2008-03-16T22:18:00.012-05:00

Of course one man's vacation is another's torture. The truth, of course, is that everywhere has its pluses and minuses ...Now, back to our golf game.

Our intrepid and accomplished midwestern bowler is acquiring great new skills in spherical manipulation with every swing.

First, locate the ball...

Then we can go for the putt.

And after a few zillion putts, we can attempt a full swing for a long shot. Or go for the swing first, if aim isn't a priority...

And with a little help from our friends (very little), there we go, wheeeeeee!

As the lasses finished up their hits and tallies and parred and sparred, I looked for pretty things to capture with my lens. There's only so many shots of people standing over tees you can get excited about. Here's a lovely water hazard, ever so inviting to the hot and sweaty golf ball.

Another bit of the landscaper's art.

Some pretty summer blossoms.

A couple hours later it was done. I'm not sure who won, probably me. I got the pictures and didn't break a sweat. Lorraine and I stopped by a Wendy's and I got a drink or a Frosty or something and Lorraine got something for her supper and we went back to her house and teased cats.

Though I'm pretty sure the cats always got the best of any situation, sooner or later.

I rested up at Lorraine's as she mostly went about her normal business; I caught up with my email, called Amy to tell her I was still on this side of the plane of existence, called Nancy C. to keep tabs (she still had all my art held hostage, after all), generally kicked back a bit. Just as I had decided to get off the computer, all the electricity went out. That was certainly a neat trick, but I didn't think my psychokinetic abilities were quite that developed....Three Rivers started getting some rather violent, extremely fast windy storm weather. A storm ripped through town quickly and many trees and signs and other big scary things fell over all around town. Streets were blocked off either by nature or police tape, as lines were down dancing and sparking on the asphalt here and there. That was in the late afternoon, and we went to Lorraine's church meeting both for her to do that and to check out the neighborhood. I didn't so much attend the meeting as guard a sofa in the back of the room while she did the meeting stuff. It was somewhat interesting in that it was mostly in the dark, being in the church basement and most of the electricity around town having been cut off. If people weren't sitting around candles quasi-conspiratorially and talking, I could have had a nice nap. Pity I didn't have my camera with me then (or it was too dark for the camera); some of the storm damage was actually impressive.

This weather thing changed a few matters...we had to do stuff we wouldn't have had to otherwise, and couldn't do some things; the next day we had to help out with Lorraine's sister's

freezer situation, seeing as the electricity wasn't coming on fast just everywhere, or at least not dependably at any given time, and more storms of the same ilk were predicted. In fact Chicago was being blasted, and a really big blow out was expected about the time I'd be heading that way. I couldn't just wait out the weekend since I had to be back at work the next week, so I had to leave sooner than planned and double-back east, or risk taking an express tornado ride to some unscheduled destination. L and I brunched at Burger King and said our good-byes, and I headed back to Coldwater and towards Fort Wayne, Indiana, rather than Gary.

If I had gone straight to Illinois then, I am not sure whether I would have made it or not...when I started it was fairly sunny except for clouds building to the west, and the ride was reasonably uneventful except for growing traffic. However, by the time I got near Indianapolis, the storm front was black and well-defined, a big scary WALL to the west. I managed to get through Indy and aim southwest-ish when it hit. I am pretty sure I just skirted the storm, but that was truly bad enough. It became midnight-dark and the rain was so thick there was no seeing...wind lashing and moaning...there wasn't really anywhere to pull over safely at this area either, so everyone crept along and hoped to see tail lights. Some cars did get swept over the side, and of course there were a couple of fools who didn't slow down--fast enough. After a time of white-knuckling the steering wheel, it let up enough to get through, and finally it was back to just a normal rainstorm. Definitely scary to be in, alone in a car. I've been in them in the ol' van but this was my first really bad one in the minivan. Finally when I'd made southwest Indiana, it was all to the north, and I decided that considering everything, I'd done the smart thing with the course altering. That was a HUGE and nasty storm. I nicked it but I didn't drown. I think I weathered out the rest of the storm and the night at an Illinois reststop.

Getting My Greens

2008-03-16T20:31:00.014-05:00

When I visit people at their homes, I try my best to just blend in with what they normally do...I just want to share some time, not be a pain. So I just followed Lorraine around like an overgrown puppy. First we had to make a stop or two. I snagged this picture while waiting in my car because I thought all those stripes and lines together in one view were...fabulous. Not sure what Lorraine thinks, though, LOL...

Maybe it's just an artist thing. But I like it.

Anyway, after getting to her house and tossing a few things in, greeting the kitties and catching breaths, Lorraine said she had some golfing planned. I could stay or go or whatever. Well, I'd never actually been golfing before...not that I golfed in this instance, either, but...I mean, I've lived in Tucson, where they grow golf courses from seed sprouts (according to satellite, the house my parents built when I was a kid, out in the middle of the desert, is now a direct neighbor to a country club golf course...when did THAT happen??), miniature-golfed a few times, live a few stones' throws from the Dominion golf course, boss' son is actually majoring in golfology, etc. etc., but I've never seen a game from a green. Personally I'm not much of a sports enthusiast unless it happens to be very visually appealing and/or something I probably couldn't do without a few extra lifetimes. I used to do synchronized swimming, and I can see the appeal of figure skating, equestrianism, diving, dancing and a few other things...I always wanted to study archery and fencing, for that matter, but never got the chance...anyway, walk around a golf course? Why not? More photo ops.

So off to the greens we went. Lorraine and her group were playing some sort of golfing game within the game, too. I played observer, film crew and water caddie.

Unlike the previous morning in Ontario, it felt quite close to August here in southern Michigan. I didn't think it was quite the brain-melter everyone else around seemed to, but I was getting rather warm since I was dressed in layers (having frozen the other day) and did finally resort to taking off my sweater. I was thirsty, though. We weren't exactly tempting fate with a lack of Gatorade...we all toodled about in golf carts. I get a bigger workout walking the dog. That, of course, isn't the point...

Is it?

Lorraine takes her first whack of the day...

The fans watch quietly and respectfully from afar. Lorraine lines up the shot at the beginning of the game. That was good, but this is how you should do it... The snowbirds hug the shade to size up the situation. Lorraine assumes the position...

I feel like I'm at Disneyland riding around in these little carts. Except for all the cuss words and bawdiness. You learn all kinds of stuff when you travel.

Lorraine's gotten so good she golfs two-fisted. Or maybe it's the sly salad tong approach among the greens...

Again it (belatedly) occurred to me that I should try filming. After all, the whole activity of this pricey sport is in swinging at the little ball. First clip is a bit...clipped.

Skidding About Scidmore

2008-03-16T19:29:00.016-05:00

Scidmore Park in Three Rivers, Michigan has a lot of stuff for a little park, though due to its avian attractions, a lot of it gets on the shoes if you're not careful. I picked my way around the rivers to see if I could get a few nice water shots.

Branches draped over one of the rivers...

A couple of bridges off in the distance...

An artistic arboreal hall of tree trunk pattern-play...or a bunch of sticks, depending on your poetic sensibilities.

A stick of river lightning.

Having had my fill of water, I walked about the backside of the petting zoo. Met up with a few other feathered friends. Here daddy-o is providing shade for his hot chick.

Another cocky bird, lording it over some hen.

Wow, they make windmills outside of Texas! Who'd-a-thought? Actually there's a thread of commonality between west Michigan, some Pennsylvania, New York and Dallas-- settled by da Dutch. Accounts for all those funky accents, you know.

And here's an even cockier cock. From the dark jungles of the midwest. I thought he looked extra pretty next to all those stripes in the background. Lorraine found me trying to pose the preening peacock, and led me away from all this feathered foolishness.

From Beavers to Wolverines

2008-03-16T17:25:00.016-05:00

For some reason I was rather tired, despite having had at least an hour's sleep in the past 48 hours. I got into Michigan and stopped at the first reststop and settled back for a snooze, till the misty morning splutted all over my windows. Not much to do here but rest, really...took a couple of pictures of the neighboring field of goldenrod, and called Lorraine, hoping my cell phone was sufficiently in the states not to rack up some horrifying rate (it was outside of wherever it considered 'home'). Just gave her fair warning that I was in the same time zone.

East Michigan on an August morning.

Another close-up of another goldenrod.

Sienna-San taking a nap at the lonely Michigan reststop.

Got going again, seeking gas in earnest. Stopped at some little town and turned off the highway, doing a little exploring. I went much further in than I'd planned, lured in by some free coffee sign--if I had to pay for the gas, why not get coffee thrown in for the same price? I passed a sign for a law firm that amused me: Black, Black and Black. That bounced around in my head...why not "Black, Blacker, Blackest" or maybe "Black(cubed)"? The Old Tucson Studios' "Dewey, Cheatham & Howe" sign kept coming to mind, though I'm sure the Michigan firm was in no way similar...

Finally found the place...cheaper than the immediate competition and free coffee. Ok, but had I known it was so far in, I'd have skipped it. They over-charged me a dime a gallon; I could understand a mistake between the sign and the one pump (lucky me to get the one mis-priced pump), and I did get a refund upon pointing it out...but I was a bit bothered that no one ran out to correct it, either. Undoubtedly how they paid for the free coffee. Mrph.

Properly caffeinated, I went back to the highway and toured the road construction sites of Michigan, stopping at a Meijer's or two along the way, dropping down through Coldwater and over finally to Three Rivers. I don't think I had quite planned it that way...usually I go through Kalamazoo. But my K'zoo pal has passed over the big goldenrod field into the great beyond and I think I got turned around accidentally due to construction anyway. But I knew I was in the right general area so I didn't care which way I got there. It was just a little more involved than the usual path taken, seeing a few more cornfields and farms than the norm. Not that that made any difference, either. ;-)

Called Lorraine to tell her I was around. She'd be busy for awhile, so I took myself to lunch. I'd wanted to try a KFC buffet, and here was one ratchere...they used to offer them at home, but such buffets were ancient history in San Antone. So I had a big plate of chicken and things. Oddly enough though, not really so much; once I got the food I wasn't hungry, darn it. So that food really lasted quite a time. But I enjoyed going and working a puzzle and being amused by the locals. Apparently the KFC was a senior hangout among other things.

After trying to stuff myself stupid, I oozed out and went to the park to walk about (carefully) and visit the critters. There's a petting zoo there, and it is also the local watering hole for fowl beasties.

Quiet quackers.

Canadian goose and lawn ornament.

Playground monitors.

I guess they are there to goose shy children into sliding.

Honk Honk!!

Three Rivers Poleese Geese.

I peered at some of the animals I could see from where I was, and just looked at the water for the most part. Last time I was here I got caught in the rain. Fairly sunny this round. Got a nice angle of the Oriental-style footbridge.

Running Amuck the Canuck

2008-02-25T01:11:00.011-06:00

After wearing myself out sufficiently by trotting around Dundurn Castle, I crawled back into my vehicle and aimed it west. Figured it didn't really matter too much where I went as long as I was going in the right direction, towards home. I toodled along the highway until a Costco sign in the distance caught my eye, and I headed for that. Costco is a nice place to shop, but to me it tends to mean Place to Gas Up--inside and out, me and the car. At home I get gasoline there or at Super Wal-Mart, as a rule--whichever has the best deal at the time. Unfortunately on this trip there were very few Costcos or Wal-Marts along the way with gas pumps. Still, Costco has a nifty snack bar with cheap soda (my gas) so I thought I'd do some browsing and get a coke, at the least.

I found myself in a parking lot where most of the cars were identical to my own, which made me laugh. I went into the store and basically had lunch right off--samples galore. Looked for electric coolers and generally noted differences. I kept thinking there was a bigger difference in the US/Canadian exchange rates but I had to continually readjust my brain...most prices were a good deal (double) higher than at home, though not all of them. Saw nothing in the camping line, coolers nor heaters...no big deal. Finally I went to the snack bar and was pleased to see my soda available for the usual 75 cents and then horrified to realize that was for the small size. But since one got refills it wasn't really too bad (though Dr. Pepper was not available...not surprisingly, but, well, it's a Texas thang). I was fascinated by the differences in the snack bar offerings. Looked the same as Costco or Sam's in the states, but different foods. At home we have frozen yogurt (chocolate/vanilla/twist), berry sundae, mocha or latté frozen drinks, chicken bake (sort of a pasty-burrito kind of thing), jumbo soda (44oz), small soda (20oz), hotdog/sausage with small soda deal, Dove bar ice cream (with or without nuts), churros (twisty long pastry sticks rolled in sugar & cinnamon--basically a Mexican doughnut), chicken Caesar salads, and pizza (cheese, pepperoni, or combo [supreme], whole or by the slice). I say all that because the Canadian version of the menu told me a lot about Canadians...only small sodas--in the southwest states you can barely fill the cup before the stuff has evaporated...at least in essence--you guzzle! Probably rarely gets that hot for long up here, of course, even in Ontario. They did have the hotdog/soda deal too, I think, though. And it seems like there were Dove bars, and soft serve ice cream...sundaes (plural). Hot beef sandwiches instead of the chicken bake, nothing resembling salad nor churros and I don't recall any frozen drinks (again not too surprising); rather than pizza (what, no pizza?), fries. Fries plain, fries with gravy, and poutine.

I'd heard Canada was the land of fries, and on my few trips, I had noted that as a fact. I had gotten some poutine at the Pt. Edward park last trip and had hoped to repeat it, but hey, I was more or less hungry now and here. So I did my figuring and went up to happily utter a phrase I will probably never get the chance to say again, save in the retelling..."Poutine and pop, please!" Yes, godhelpme, I love poutine. Sounds awful to American ears, or at least to the health-conscious, but to me it's just northern chili cheese fries. French fries, gravy and cheese curds. Here's a shot of the dish from my previous trip.

The Costco version turned out to be huge, and I was tempted to invite strangers to my feast. I got a Canada Dry ginger ale to go all-out Canuck and sat down to people-watch for awhile. I came to the conclusion that while Texas had a reputation for large bodies, it was not necessarily the only overweight population around. Poutine has its drawbacks, apparently.

When I got tired of that and finished, I went on and stopped at the little shopping center I'd hit last trip--had a Dollarama getting started then. It had had a very good deal on paint brushes and I hoped it still did. So I went shopping. They'd filled the store by now and I wound up filling a basket with art stuff and gifties for friends. Not only did I find the brushes, but I got the coolest little articulated skeleton. I'd never seen a small one like that, for a buck yet! Halloween would be around the corner, though I thought it would be a nifty little model, too. I've seen large ones at Halloween stores, but not a doll version. Barbie with a severe case of anorexia, or Ken with a curse. Here he/she is, last Christmas...

I took a look in the grocery store nearby, noted gas prices, but didn't really need anything yet so I went on. By this time JF was probably done with his business but I wasn't going to bother him now, and I forgot to even look for his place until I was back on the highway, LOL. Westward ho, I forged on, stopping at a reststop around London, I think, but there was little of note until I got back near the border. Took the high road so I could explore the Lake Huron parks some more. Plus I didn't really want to deal with the Detroit traffic.

This time I wound up at the Point Edward Park without even trying, just before sunset. So I got out and walked around. They had a few new features too (another beaver-y thing--some sort of mini-fish hatchery/zoo-let with beaver logos on the food dispensers), etc. etc. I walked around, from the Lake Huron side down past the Blue Water Bridge, along the St. Clair.

I didn't take that many pictures here since I took a number on the last trip. But I still played around with getting a few in the low light environment. Looked near and far...here's the lighthouse/park across the border, across the water, in Michigan.

Breezy border flags.

Boats out on Lake Huron.

Speeding down the St. Clair, from Lake Huron.

It was breezy but not as cold as it had been on Lake Ontario that morning. Almost a different day. Of course I was on a different spot on the map, too. Chippy truck. Glad I got my Costco poutine...much better value there, and better poutine for that matter. I did go over to the ice cream shop on the other side of the park to repeat last trip's treat, but whereas last time it had been exciting--so hot there had been a line outside the shop for ice cream, and I barely got any in me before it melted...plus great flavors...this time it was not as fun. Well, last time I'd also discovered I'd gone around with driblets of ice cream on my face, which happened to be raspberry, so I looked like a vampire after a kill, myself, from the way it happened to stick...I did wonder what the looks were about, and when I got in the car I and saw my face in the rearview mirror I fell over in hysterics...if you want to call all that 'fun.' That was then. Now was still fine, can't argue with ice cream. But no one was about but me and the clerk...it took me a time to figure out what I wanted because they didn't have the same flavors, and I was rather distraught to find that I could not see up close at all--couldn't focus and thereby make change properly and had to apologize and dig for more. Then the flavors, while ok, didn't really work together like they had last trip. Guess you can't ever go back...lol. Aging fast, maybe I should hightail it home before I turned to dust...however I just walked around gnawing on my ice cream cone until dusk...

Finally took a shot at the bridge and ambled back to the car. I needed to spend my change, since I couldn't trade that back, and I still hadn't gotten a little flag, so I looked for stores in Point Edward and Sarnia.

However it had gotten later than I thought, and little was open in the area I was in. Plus, there was road construction and I kept winding up going in circles. Gas was getting low, as well...not bad but not something to waste going in circles. Spent a few minutes in some grocery stores, but they didn't have anything I could afford with my change. Saw some areas along the river that I would have enjoyed exploring, had I known about them...never know about the future, though. I finally found a drug store, which just happened to have a little Canadian car flag in the clearance basket, real cheap, so, bingo. So cheap I still had about $1.35 left, and figured that could get a 'pop' somewhere. It turned out to be hard to find a somewhere, but I did end up at a 7-11 type gas/convenience store. I could afford a small drink, but not the tax, ironically. Argh, so close. At this point I was so tired and half-blind that I just asked the clerk if she could deal with a dumb American trying to use up her Canadian change before crossing back over the border, and she took pity on me so I got a tiny soda pop, a few pennies shy of the full cost, which she made up with the leave-a-penny/take-a-penny can. I needed to throw the caffeine in my face more than consume it, probably...anyway I headed for the border bridge after that. Even made it onto the bridge and over it, and was thrilled to see that the money exchange office was still open. Was also embarrassed to find an extra quarter...I could have afforded the pop-tax. Sheepish and sleepish I headed into the dark Michigan night.

Dundurn Castle

2008-02-10T22:00:00.000-06:00

Dundurn Castle became my next stomping grounds, so to speak. I tromped about and took some pictures...it was all very Dark Shadowsy. Tour tickets seemed to be very pricey, though perhaps it was when I was there or I read the wrong thing, since the weblink doesn't seem quite so much as I remembered. But at the moment I was content to walk about and snoop out interesting angles. Only later did I piece together things...like it apparently offered not just a plain vanilla tour, but a 'period piece' kind of tour, with actors portraying the staff, etc. as it would have had in its heyday. Here's an info link:

http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/CityandGovernment/CultureandRecreation/Arts_Culture_And_Museums/HamiltonCivicMuseums/Dundurn/Dundurn_Castle.htm

Apparently, as most old places properly sport, Dundurn has its share of ghosties and ghoulies, too. Of course, it is across the street from a cemetery. Those folks gotta have some place to party, after all.

http://www.hauntedhamilton.com/local_dundurn.html

Further on and behind the

main buildings, I found a little building.

Not sure if it was a sort of lighthouse

or boathouse or swimming

house or summer spot,

but it was mostly boarded up

and had a path to its side leading

down towards the water.

But it was too far from the

present shore to help me

make up my mind about

its original purpose. Garden house?

It was cute, anyway. Continuing west, there were

areas of wild along the edge,

and a nice kitchen garden nearby.

I saw some people touring that,

so I figured that was part of the

pay tour and stayed out of there.

I'm sure it was very nice,

from what I could see.

Anyway I hung out with the trees. Some trees were wild and untamed,

and some were quite stolid sorts.

This "v" framed the Castle nicely.

Main Castle buildings from behind

the little white building and assorted flora.

It was pretty overcast and still chilly,

but the buildings were certainly

surprisingly colorful in contrast.

Must be knock-outs on a sunny

blue-skied day. Look at

the designs on the tiled roofs.

It was close enough to see the inlet

from the lake behind the overgrowth

in the back of the park grounds.

Complete with maple leaves and

little red tuft flower accents, lol.

I walked back to the main

building and observed the door.

I think you went in there to start the tour.

I just spent a few minutes trying to

get a decent angle to take a picture

while preserving the feel of the area.

And wondering how anyone

could dust up there...

That'd be my luck to get the

job painting the columns.

An admirable place to hang a hat,

but obviously a neoclassic neckpain

to the caretakers, heheh.

Wonder if JF ever had a stint

there as a tour actor...of course

I don't know how long they've

been doing that, either.

I wandered back into the gift shop to look some more, but it was suddenly overrun with school kids. Guess someone was having a field trip. Wasn't hungry enough to try the restaurant, but did wait a while in getting a chance at the facilities...flipped through a book on tartans as I waited. One of these days I'll have to research the family stuff. In theory our Watsons came from a clan of Watts in Scotland, but I've yet to stumble on anything specific about that. Much later there was a Parliamentary-type fellow, a Lord Watson (inscribed somewhere in Parliament) who hooked up with an Irish lady from the house of House, and perhaps due to all the potato blight and the like, took off together to Georgia and founded a massive plantation. Which didn't do too well after General Sherman paid a visit (Robert E. Lee being a greatgreatgreatsomething godfather), and the family split up and headed mostly west and downhill from there, LOL. Oh well. Only family "name" I know on the Watson side is that Jesse James was a cousin (I came close to being named Jesse). Mom's side brings Grover Cleveland and Henry Clay. Of course everyone generations from now will point to that maverick Sherlock in the bloodline....one of my sisters has kids. There should be a few more drops of genetic material to stretch out a while, snicker. Anyway I never can find the correct tartan. I have a coat-of-arms design around somewhere, though...

Aged Scotch

2008-01-30T22:20:00.000-06:00

As soon as I thought I was near enough to the actual city, I pulled off the highway and took a main drag through Hamilton, so I could see a little of it, at least. Looked like most places in the states, lots of strip malls, though there seemed to be a high propensity for dollar stores. Hmm, I could live here, I thought. Except for that "cold" thing. Brrr. Never did get the hang of cold. Whether being raised primarily in the southwestern US or having a thyroid about as active as your average brick is the main source of this, I can't say, but cold just plain hurts. Too bad there isn't any warm and balmy snow about...

Anyway, I drove on north until I ran out of road...kinda unexpectedly, since the map showed another park ahead. And there was one, but the road dwindled into a residential street and the actual part leading to the park was little more than a bit of back alley behind a tiny apartment building. Bicycle entrance or something. I was interested in exploring but decided I didn't want to leave my car in what might be someone's drive, so I turned around and went down another way, roaming aimlessly for a few minutes. Decided I might as well stop at Dundurn Castle, since it was on the map, relatively easy to get to, and well, I was there.

So I parked and got out. A group of other folks was gathering at the other end of the lot; one asked if I were part of whatever reunion they were meeting up for--something military- or history-related. I laughed a no, just a wandering stranger, and proceeded to wander. (Whether strangely or not is subjective).

Read the historical postings here and there and ambled around the side, and hither and yon. While I'd seen the place on the map I had not heard of the estate. Big ol' mansion of a big ol' Scotsman. Signs pointed to going around to the stableyard...back there was the giftshop and a restaurant. I poked around in the giftshop a bit...I'd like a wee Canadian flag to go along with my US and TX and British flags. I never intentionally started a collection, they just kinda flagged me down. ar ar

I did find a flag but it was a tad pricey for the size, and though I considered getting it, it occurred to me that in a town full of dollar stores, there must be a cheap maple leaf somewhere. So I held off for the time. Tickets for a tour were also expensive, for someone who had no real idea where she was, anyway. I've toured a number of old mansions in my time, and since I'd just done Lyndhurst, I thought I'd pass, but walk around. Never know, I might change my mind. But I was still looking for a phone to call Mr. Frid before I made any other plans. (I had a cell phone, but with my service it'd cost a dollar a minute in Canada, so I needed a payphone!)

Dundurn Castle stableyard (in and around to the left is the giftshop).

I walked around the other side of things, essentially a park, following the fence. Figured I might could see the lake somewhere around here. There was an opening and a rough trail and I followed it (perhaps stupidly of me). I like to think of it as adventuresome. It led steeply down an overgrown hill, apparently a bluff or ridge overlooking some rails, but I could see the lake. If I looked real hard... There was certainly a lot of botanical company. Here's a shock of goldenrod. Exhausting that little jaunt's educational aspects, unless I wanted to explore what breaking a leg in Canada would be like, I climbed back up the wild and re-entered civilization. Walked around to the street and noticed some folks across the street hadn't been so lucky. But I really liked their sign.

I wonder if I could do that in the front yard. Well, with a slight change in message.

For those who enjoy blurring lines, obviously here's where JF/Barnabas hangs out. (a cryptic joke)

It was a very eye-appealing necropolis, but I didn't want to spend a lot of time snapping at cemetery statuary just then, so I took a couple of shots from across the street at Dundurn. Then I got down to business. There was a payphone out front along the road--I'd spotted it going into the Dundurn grounds but I was hoping there'd be one by the giftshop--out of the wind and away from the street noise. No such luck. So I girded my coins and shoved a finger in my ear and called Mr. Frid.

Luckily, I got hold of him! Then my luck went downhill, lol. He greeted me warmly but said he'd expected me yesterday and was too busy to meet today. Bummer. I was taken aback about being actually expected, given his excitement at the whole prospect the other day (er...doubt it...CALL), but there was no point trying to explain all that had ensued between Sunday morning and now. He flattered me in saying that he had the painting and stuff set up for me (though Richard really didn't quite suit his decor). I was laughing and reassuring him that it was just a toy, something to play with, use for parties or for the website or whatever, auction off, just a giftie--he didn't have to live with Richard. He had to attend to some sad business and meetings in a few minutes, and I did understand that it was just bad timing and I'd have done the same. But I did ask if it would help any if I came later (it wasn't like I was in a rush...yet). He thought about it a sec but said no, go on. I figured he didn't want to be held to any obligations if the event ran longer than expected, etc. Definitely understandable, and I wasn't expecting anything, just a thought that if we ever got together longer than a few minutes, maybe we could produce something.

Hmm, that didn't come out quite right.

Project-wise. Art-wise. Idea-wise. Naughty people!

He assured me he'd be sending me stuff and mentioned a few other things, then ended up saying we'd meet up next time. Of course he couldn't see my eyes roll, but I really gurgled at that...pretty sure that this would be the last chance. Just to get back at him, I said, yeah, next time he was in San Antonio. He ha-ha'd at that one, and we went on our separate paths.

Oh well, guess I had time to poke about after all. I headed back to the Castle and took a better look at things. Collinwood's Old House, in gold, I'd say... Now there's a porte-cochère.

Hamilton Beach

2008-01-29T11:10:00.000-06:00

The temperature continued to drop as I headed into Hamilton. I don't think it was so cold in and of itself, but there was this knife-icy wind gusting through, bringing the region a polar blast. A couple years back it was so hot and muggy I was practically sloshing around in the car seat. Now I kept having to remind myself that it was AUGUST!

The Canadian highways, as far as I've seen, are rather apart from the scenery, so there wasn't too much to see except other cars. I did come to the conclusion that most Canadians seemed to be driving minivans, if not econoboxes. I blended right in with my Sienna. Last trip I had my Ford van and really stuck out, lol. But I missed the height if not the gas expense.

Randomly I pulled off to see if I could get near the lake...there seemed to be a park on the right, so I went that way, following my nose (the map was still fuzzy but indicated there was something over there). I found a little parking lot along a beach park and got out of the car. Went back in and got bundled up, oooooo, it was freezing! And yet people were cycling and jogging by, not particularly phased by the winter wind. Harumph, Canadians.

I walked over to the beach. Signs said this was Hamilton Beach, and all I could think of was blenders and other kitchen appliances. Seemed to be a forbidding and rocky strip against Lake Ontario, at least today.

But it wasn't empty and forlorn. People and gulls milled about on this Tuesday morning.

A trio of gulls posed nonchalantly in front of a breaker.

Rocky shore at the Hamilton Beach.

Some gull's lunch leftovers providing more atmosphere. Though that little stick near the fish's mouth gives the impression the critter had been smoking and finally keeled over from a really bad bout of lung cancer. Or gill cancer, as the case may be. Coffcoffcoffbubbleblubcoff!

The scientist/artist's eye demanded a close-up portrait. I think wind gusts got in the way of sharp focus, though. It was actually pretty good at staying still.

"Fish heads, fish heads..." the silly tune ran through my noggin...nearby was a pile of rocks. Maybe the fishie just ran aground. Not everyone navigates well.

Lake Ontario textures.

A wide shot of the stretch of beach here, facing south.

A pretty view behind the beach grass (which actually took some doing to get into that angle).

Hamilton Beach expanse facing north.

After freezing long enough and getting all the pictures I could from the spot, I looked for a phone so I could call JF. There was one building, an ice cream shop/diner, and seeing nothing outside, I eventually went in. It was rather busy considering it was a frigid Tuesday morning. Interesting decor, but I wasn't hungry yet. I found the restrooms, which were nice and saw that there was a phone outside those, but indoors. So I tried to call JF but it didn't go through. I wasn't sure if I'd dialed it wrong or was just outside of the zone for him, but I figured I'd just drive further before trying again to be on the safe side. I only had so many Canadian coins handy, lol. I went back out and took a shot or two before heading back onto the highway.

A Run To The Border

2008-01-28T19:18:00.000-06:00

With one final and probably too-quick shot for the road (here's the river towards Ontario, complete with tired-eye double-vision), I finally stopped and headed back, through the dark dark park, back up the hill to the bridge, and over the rapids to the Niagara park I started in. I spent a little time looking around in the gift shop, then walked around the buildings and back through the carnival section to the bus stop. The bus was not there, and I hoped I hadn't missed it and was in the right spot. Seemed to be, other people were slowly starting to congregate in the general area, too. With little else to do in the dark, I got the camera back out, since the view across the street was weird enough to be photo-worthy. This giant looming mushroom was staring back at me from over the Indian take-out place.

I turned around to see what on earth this thing was... a hot-air balloon. I guess you could have balloon rides for yet another view of the falls. During the day. It appeared pretty lonely and spooky at this point.

Eventually my ride did come and dropped a few of us off to skitter to our motels. I went to my room and took a shower, as best I could, recharged the camera battery, and got in bed and died.

I don't think I had much trouble sleeping, considering, although one of the neighboring rooms was rather noisy. The continental breakfast turned out to be a cup of coffee and some toast crumbs. I was there early but I guess restocking was against policy...I was glad that I'd done the Niagara thing last night, for it was raining this morning, and visibility was pretty lousy. I got myself together and left the plush Knights Inn to head for the border. Due to the weather, I missed the turn the first time and had to double-back, then stopped at the duty-free shop. I admired the goodies and debated whether to pick up some vodka for JF, but since he was with two other guys and had travelled this way the other day, I figured he could have gotten all he wanted if he wanted any. I was tempted by some stuffed animals, but I couldn't really decide on any one, and didn't know what I'd do with them after the trip (I can barely fit on my bed as it is). What I wanted to check out was exchanging money....I usually fail to do that, thinking I'll just charge anything I need. But it's hard to charge little things and I'd made that boo-boo last trip. I didn't think the exchange was open yet, but someone came to help me, and I traded in $40. For that I got a whopping $40.80 Canadian. Wow, those exchange rates had certainly changed over the past few years!

Then I went next door to the Tim Horton's coffee shop, telling myself I was on vacation now and could really indulge. I stood there reading all the menu offerings, being unfamiliar with the place...thought I'd use Canadian money but it seemed wiser to use American here, price-wise. So I finally made up my mind and asked for some large coffee-something in hazelnut. There were 5 flavors on the sign, so I'd been debating a bit, no doubt annoying the bored clerk. Then he replied, giving me a look like 'what an idiot,' that it only came in vanilla. I blinked and looked at the board, where it plainly said five flavors, and thought he meant they were just out, and asked about something else. He repeated, just vanilla. Well, I didn't want to pay all that for vanilla (not that I had anything against it) so I just said I'd take a medium mocha and let it go at that. I down-graded the size since I was at least as annoyed with him as he was with me, LOL. But I went out with my sweet caffeine and Canadian mula and crossed the bridge. I answered all the quiz questions and the Canadian border guard decided I probably wasn't too deadly and let me in. And having seen plenty of falls the night before, plus being ucky weather, I just went onto the QEW into Ontario proper. Or whatever road was under my wheels. I went north toward Hamilton.

I spied Lake Ontario on my right and managed to pull over into a little, muddy parking lot and got out to inspect. It was awfully cold....I know it was Canada, but it was mid-August, too. Sheesh. I was glad I had my jacket. I took a couple of pix here, though it was not a good place to get near the water. Some of the plants here were kinda interesting, though.

In fact there was one weed that particularly caught my eye. I looked it up online, it's called the Common Teasel. Common for this neck of the woods, anyway. New to a US southwesterner like me. Like alien burrs.

Always something new. And finally, a shot of Lake Ontario with teasel and goldenrod, complete with a side order of tree.

I ran back to the car to warm up and continue up the highway.

Last Splashes

2008-01-28T18:57:00.000-06:00

One more clear shot down Niagara...and one blurry and blue. Niagara Falls frothiness at the bottom of the falls. The ultimate latté machine. Looking downriver, back towards the Maid of the Mist area, with Ontario in the background (and a shaky Rainbow Bridge). A similar shot with different light colors on the falls.

A nifty shot delineating the shape of the waterfall overhangs, aimed at Niagara Falls Park (Maid of the Mist US area).

Softened waterfalls...rather like a strawberry shake or something, with the Canadian Maid of the Mist dock lights in the background.

And a final recording of wet dreams...;-) . Dark and red (!).

Cold Suds

2008-01-28T17:52:00.000-06:00

Covered the main park side pretty well, so I walked up and decided I had enough time left to cross the bridge and see what was on the other side. Like the bear, I guess.

A bit of the fragile with the tough--a little bloom along the shore.

White sudsy river... Viewpoint looking back towards the bridge I'd just crossed, with a bit of the island park on the right. Some sections of that were very, very dark...glad I took my little flashlight! On this side I could look right down into the maw of the falls. Here it is reflecting the red light, a-blur with speed and mist.

This is a better-focused (focused on the water) shot, when the red light filter is shutting down. And here's the same scene in motion!

Shooting the Rapids

2008-01-28T17:27:00.000-06:00

Upriver a little...actually I think this was a side split of the main river, with an island dividing the main river (going over at Horseshoe Falls). But wherever I was, I walked around it. Looking down towards the cliff, there's where the water plummets over the falls on the American side, with Ontario Niagara Falls' lights flickering colorfully on the horizon.

Turning around and looking upriver, or upsplit, was a bridge, and a lot of raucous water molecules whitewatering their way madly towards the edge of the escarpment.

And people want to ride this stuff in barrels? I guess it would be quite a ride. Once.

Yahooooooo!!! I bet there's a lot of dizzy fish in there.

And here's a video-clip of the whole sight...the rushing rapids coming down from beyond the bridge, racing down the stretch to leap over the edge of Niagara Falls. Wheeeeeeeee!

How Much Water Can A Woodchuck Suck?

2008-01-28T16:26:00.000-06:00

Again I took a videoclip of the waters, but tried it with the camera sideways to get the feeling of the height of the falls. It did not occur to me until now that it is not as easy to turn a video another direction as it is a photo. With all my little video-toys, I have nothing that will lighten, turn, crop, etc. a video while simultaneously retaining the sound and also being able to save it to a format Google will accept for loading. This program will do one thing but not the other, that program will do this but not that. Argh! Of course the one possibility I had that Would work told me I didn't have the component in question, but neglected to mention what that component would be, so, after far too much time spent on the topic, I'll just put it up as is. You can just squint and turn your head. Actually the camera records in .mov format, but even though Google takes Quicktime, for some reason the processing doesn't seem to work and the little processing logo just twirls around in circles for hours...days...(I am patient). But if I convert to mpeg, it just zips up onto the webpage. So much techno-learning for...loud water.

Anyway, after having enough of this view, I walked back down to the park and along the river edge. I was waylaid several times more for photographer-duty. Certainly a lot of different people about. After taking a couple of shots for a group of Japanese students, I sauntered upstream and watched the rapids and looked at some of the flora on the side. As I stood watching the river and looking at the bright flecks of flower color dabbling the greenery here and there, part of the greenery underneath me rustled. A head popped out, cautiously peering about.

What, another beaver?, I thought. Am I being followed by beavers? First the Lyndhurst one, now...I do have the teeth for becoming their leader, but still...and this fella didn't quite look like a beaver. What was it? A muskrat? A vole? I wasn't quite as up on my riverside mammals as I should have been.

It dawned on me, after a moment for my memory banks to run through my massive internal taxonomy lists, that it must be a woodchuck. I'd have to double-check next time I could find a picture of one (yeah, it's a woodchuck). I don't run into a lot of them in San Antonio. He was very funny. He was wary about all the people nearby, up and down the walkway, but apparently I was invisible to him (those ninja powers kicking in again). He came out further to double-check the path--there were some people some yards down the path. In the meantime he set his head on my foot. I was a tree. A tree with a spotlight in its branches, I guess. It was all I could do not to guffaw over this, or jump and startle him silly. Instead I just took some pictures of him, aiming straight down.

He seemed confused, like he knew I was nearby, but just couldn't see or hear me for some reason. Miss Invisibility again. He went on about his business, as I watched, delighted. Eventually he went back into the weeds and I mosied up the path.

Dark Niagara

2008-01-27T03:34:00.000-06:00

I took yet another videoclip of the falls, but they turned the lights out on me, at least a bit. So this one is darker than the others...though nothing like it would be with no lights at all! That would be rather scary, hearing all that crashing water and seeing nothing...

Then I just clomped around, framing what appealed to me at the time. Here's blood going over the cliffs...blood red in some areas where the shadows and color were intense, and more of a cotton candy pink everywhere else.

Wine stains, perhaps? Always white vs. red, isn't it?

Across the river and at Ontario, again.

This is an over-all view of the American park area, though a bit greyed-out in the gamma in order to get enough light to see it all. Rather looks like a pencil drawing, doesn't it? I'm up on the Maid of the Mist overlook deck. I assume, anyway. After a few more shots up here, I walked down over to that part of the river.

I wonder how long that point will be there...? (that's a pointed remark)

Soft watercolors...

Gallons of water crashing and mixing the misty colors...

A purple paint palette...

Disco party lights!

Cliff Notes

2008-01-27T02:12:00.000-06:00

More snap-happy nocturnal experimentation around the wet canyon...

I was trying to get clear and interesting shots, which, standing on a wet and windy cliff in the dark, were something of a challenge to get. But I wandered around, taking a picture here and there for me, clicking one for someone else here, noting where to head next there. Unfortunately it was almost too difficult to get a good shot of the Canadian side of town without anything to steady my aim, but I didn't want for trying.

Looks like a Sheraton and a casino over there... perhaps after a few too many drinks!

Niagara Falls, Ontario, with a bit of the US sticking its tongue out. Pity this one was so blurry, but it was a fabulous view to see in person-- the moon peeping out of the clouds overhead, over the bridge, adding to the light show and mist.

I'd walked further downriver, towards the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the US to Canada here. (Well, so does the river, but the bridge is probably slightly less damp.) It was rather secluded on this side of the park. Fortunately I had my handy-dandy wind-up flashlight (which also happens to have a strobe function and siren) so I wasn't necessarily entirely vulnerable attacker-bait. I found a spot and ate the other half of the supper I bought earlier, listening to the falls and my thoughts smash down among the rocks below, keeping a wary eye out for vampires. Or at least camera-muggers. Blurry bridge shot (I think I'm under a support beam of the Maid of the Mist viewing decks).

Colorful longshot of the river, falls, and both sides of the border, looking upriver (back towards the bend of Horseshoe Falls). See the people along the edge?

The falls spotlit at night without the color filters. Bright and white. A pretty good photo of the Rainbow Bridge and water beneath at night, looking downriver. The Canadian falls tour docks and boats. Another wide shot of the American falls. Couldn't catch the moon again, darn it.

Swimming in color. The rough texture of the turbulence. All this falling water and not a bar of soap to be found.

More Falls Falling

2008-01-27T01:24:00.000-06:00

Naturally, recording the falls a-falling became something of a fun little game, so I got a few different versions of that. Artists are easily seduced by flickering colors.

Escarpment Escapades

2008-01-26T19:10:00.000-06:00

Remembering the video feature, it occurred to me that moving water might be more interesting when recorded...moving. So I gave that several tries as well. Most of my attempts came out rather dark on my monitor, but all these shots differ from computer to computer--quite drastically in some instances. With any luck, maybe you have the computer where the nightwaters appear in gorgeous color lightplay and roaring sound.

Or maybe you get a little red x in a box or a black video with some funny noises.

Life is full of experiments.

Niagara at Night

2008-01-26T17:55:00.000-06:00

It was quite dark when I got off the bus at Niagara Falls. And Now I was awake, although I think that had more to do with being stoked with caffeine and adrenalin and the chilly air than due to any latent vampiric tendencies. Although I do lean toward nightowl-hood. Hoo-Hooo!

I looked around to make sure I could find my way back to the drop-off point, figured I had a few hours to play in before I had to worry about not being able to get back to the motel, and headed toward the water. There was an area of little shops and eateries, decorated with fairy lights and assorted colors and bulbs, music here and there...all rather reminiscent of a carnival, except most of it was closed. I went along with several others towards the Maid of the Mist building, going up stairs and over walks and the like to the falls overlook. Then I just took it all in for a little while.

A beautiful place indeed. There were quite a lot of people around, but not so many that you couldn't find your own niche. Colored lights shown across the river from the Canadian side made for a water-and-light show, so the falls rotated through numerous color combinations and glows. After absorbing enough falls and people, I decided to crack out the camera and try night photography. Last trip I'd also come through at night, but the film camera wasn't terribly successful at night snapshots. Even so, they were colorful and artsy (Artist for lousy focus). I had better luck with the digital since it is so much more light-sensitive. Especially with a bit of photo-program help to up the gamma here and there, lol.

Looking upriver, American side, at all the lights in Canadian Niagara Falls...

Tower on the Ontario side of the brink.

(Yeah, it moved)

Water, water, everywhere...

Watching the colors change over the crashing waters... first, white and bright.

Then it got progressively darker, yellower...

A roaring golden falls... (you might want to visit the restroom first)

And then, for the lovers, a rosy waterfall. Different colored lights hit different sections of the falls, too. It's hard to focus on water in the mist and in the dark, but I managed it a few times!

I explored this area for a time, following the edge around the overlook and wandering around by the safety rails along the falls ridge. Somehow I seemed to be nominated as Official Photographer, as I often am when I visit places (my long-standing joke is that if I could run fast, I'd be a millionaire in pawned cameras). That might make sense when I'm wearing my big ol' Minolta, but I wasn't sure what my appeal was with my little digital, save the fact I was single and harmless-looking. Anyway I took pictures of many couples, groups, foreigners, and other assorted folks all evening. At least I was useful.

Here's a link to a virtual tour of the area (daytime from the Canadian point-of-view, but you can see the Maid of the Mist overlook and the above falls easily). http://www.niagaraparks.com/aboutus/virtual-tour.php?movie=Maid_Docks

New Yoooooooork

2008-01-21T02:28:00.000-06:00

Somehow, New York state turned into one of the longest states I've travelled through in some time. And I live in Texas. It just went on and on and on and on...I toodled across the interstate and it just expanded as I drove. Finally I found a pretty reststop early in the morning, pulled over and practically fainted. I managed to get the seat down enough to be reasonably comfy and covered up a bit. It was August but pretty cold in the morning, plus I tend to freeze when I get tired, anyway. Maybe all my blood stops and settles or something.

I rested awhile, then got out to stomp around and try to wake up. To my surprise I was parked near another river. A fairly well-known one, in fact. Fortunately it was not swimming with mosquitoes. I still remember Jamestown for that...though there have been a few other scarier places (never camp in the White River [AR] reststop during mosquito season, for example). This was actually a nice spot. And vaguely familiar. Maybe I'd been here before, just not headed this direction.

I did my best to shake the sleep off, but I wasn't succeeding too well. I tried to find nice things to aim at, but only saw a couple things worth the effort, like the river area and this state flag. Of course, I always ogle at trees.

Rested a little more, then made myself get going. I wanted to make the border before dark!

On I drove, and somewhere along the way there was a town where I stopped for awhile since it had a mall, and I went in and walked around for a bit. Looked at stuff, got some exercise. Awake enough to function, but I was just going to be on the dazed side all day, what with the New York hazy weather and little change of scenery (if nice) in the region. The state just went on forever. I looked through some travel booklets and figured maybe I could get a room in Buffalo and get a decent rest, giving me something to aim for...

The drive got much shorter as I found I needed to Go and the car needed gas and I was finding neither opportunity availing itself...some places seemed like they'd be ok but were closed or too much work to get to or too expensive or whatever. I got into the Buffalo area and drove through quite a lot of city before getting my bearings straight. Stopped at a little gas station in desperation and still had to wait a while...lousy timing! But I finally got both relief and gas and a cappucino to top it off. Then I started looking for the motels I had deals for. This took awhile, and I guess I missed the first batch or something, taking the scenic view through Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Wound up in the right area and was so worn out I just went in and got a room. But the room, despite yet another brand name (Knight's Inn, I think), was pretty hideous. It didn't help when I later went out and saw the $17/room anytime sign on the better-looking motel next door, when I'd paid far far more than that for a room worth probably less than that.

However, with the room you got a pass to run out to the falls free (bus). If I used it, I could use it in the morning or now. Though it was dusk, upon another good look at the room, I decided just about anything was worth doing to avoid looking at the room, which had a sad set of drawers, a scary bed, a tiny portable TV chained to a table, a rickety table with a phone and a phonebook on it, and a little mirror and a naked single bulb light for the entire room. This was a superior room loaded with amenities. There was a tiny bar of soap and a questionable wash towel in the bathroom, and breakfast in the morning (toast).

Makes sleeping in the car look good.

Anyway, so I asked how to use the card, got the scoop, and walked a little up the road and poked my head into some local restaurant (Dave's?). Got a chicken parmesan sandwich and soda to eat before the bus came, then stood in the wind and hopped on the Falls metro bus. Met several people doing the same thing. We went up to the falls area...you could get on and off the bus, but I figured a couple hours at Niagara Falls would be a nice enough adventure. Most of the group got off at a casino. I don't recall a casino there before...but it was certainly a big thing now. Had never noticed all the east Indians in the area before, either, goodness gracious me... Fascinating.

So I got off the courier to visit Niagara Falls, solo, at night.

Crazy Sunday

2008-01-20T22:52:00.000-06:00

I knew Sunday would be a madhouse sort of day, but I was whole powers-of-10 below my estimate.

Based on (roomie!) "pillow talk" the previous evening, I'd somewhat expected to do some stuff with Nancy early this morning. But she disappeared while we were getting about readying for the day. I put a few more things up in the car and ambled off to the hall a bit later, to see if I could finally get a moment with Frid. I was still thinking I'd be seeing him later anyway, but I did want to see him at the Festival all the same. In the hall I found the other roomies, Malia and Kristi, hawking Frid-vids for last-minute buyers. I think that's Mary at the end, and everyone else is gathered around the far end to see Jonathan, behind there somewhere around the table corner/by the doorway.

Lovely display of Fridiculi... Jonathan Frid On Stage: Fridiculousness --DVDs.

I edged over to the groupie section and got at least one decent photo, LOL. Jonathan amidst the onslaught of Sunday morning autograph seekers.

Moving as fast as he could. He wants to get started on the trip home.

Bobbi serving guard duty. She encouraged me to get on up here!

Lots of waiting, for bodyguards, lol... Either everyone is a-buzz with activity or it's a dire case of over-caffeination.

Well, they shoved me into the man's path, now or never! Uncharacteristically brave of me, I stuck my hand in his and blurted out hello, I'm Sherlock. To which he kinda blinked and looked at me and said "they said you were in black!" I presume clothes. Of course I was wearing black slacks...and off and on, my black hat. But whatever, it was an amusing thing with which to be greeted. I had him do the standard autograph on his picture (that all the banquet-goers got) and had him sign a copy of his DVD. I had everyone I could get hold of who'd worked on the DVD to sign it, just for me...I thought that would be a cool trinket and remembrance of the project. That was about all there was time for, however.

I got out of the way and went back up to visit with the gals a little more, and took a nice little portrait of my fellow tejana. Loved the way her shirt colors went with the DVD cover, LOL!

Then I turned and tried for one last picture of Jonathan. Which was also the last shot I took at the convention. Pity I was too far and it blurred again. Argh. I did bring my trusty Minolta (film SLR) but it wouldn't have been much better in the relatively dark hotel halls, not without a lot of flash. It's hard to hold the digital camera still enough to get sharp shots, but the light sensitivity is far superior, rarely requiring flash to get a decent picture. A trade-off...turned out to be my first trip where all my photos were digital. Of course it was also my first trip with the digital camera!

Jonathan finished up and immediately began gathering up to leave. I hovered back with his cadré so I could talk to him...he still hadn't seen the painting, among other things. He was really eager to get going so I had to talk up and talk fast, and reminded him (I'd emailed several times) that I planned to follow him up to Canada, in order to run through Ontario to Michigan to visit my pal Lorraine, so if he wanted me to carry anything or make any plans, etc., all he needed to do was say the word. But he was worn out and said he'd be very busy and didn't know about whether he could work in any visits (much less project work) so he doubted very much any connections this week. Call first.

Well, while I totally understood (I've never been able to see how people can run off to cons and be back to work Monday sharp...cons are draining enough merely in the attending, if you ask me...and if you actually Do something, guest/serve/show/work/etc., it's utterly exhausting), it was a bit of a disappointment all the same, since I'd mentioned it a number of times ahead (he may not have read anything, of course) and hadn't really Met him at the con, and did want to do something with the Richard III painting. And I didn't mean to make any demands, either, just say hi. But even a little can be a lot, I know well myself. So I was sad and kicking myself for even thinking about it at the same time. Rolling with the flow, it occurred to me I still had his portfolios, so I said, oh, wait, I have to get those for you! He was annoyed that his group hadn't already done that and Mark went with me...we got the albums and I grabbed the Richard III painting. Everything was shoved into his car and I quickly unveiled Richard, said here, it's just a fun thing for you to play around with, and Richie went into the car too. I was rather surprised that some of the colors in Richard had turned yellow...Richard suddenly had a bad case of jaundice that he hadn't had at the start of the trip. Nothing I could do for the king's liver at this point, though, and it did kind of add a certain malevolence to the piece. Or something. At any rate, all present bye-byed, and the guys headed north.

We gals strolled back to the hotel and I talked to Malia about how to track down my cooler....she made suggestions and I finally found it in Kathy's room upstairs. Kathy knew nothing about it or how it ended up there. I was miffed that it still was full of beer, old dip and veggies, and a lot of water, was beat-up and a handle broken off. But it seemed to be today's theme, just-deal-with-it, LOL. Dumped what I could and hauled it off with my little dolly. No one wanted the beer, and we couldn't find Nancy, so I labelled it a room tip for the maids and let it stand at that, heheh.

Finally it was time to get it all together. I finished loading most of my things into my minivan, arranging the cooler to be open so it could dry out. Malia had all her stuff out, and I thought Kristi had, but there were still a few things left in the room, so they must be Nancy's. I discovered that apparently Nancy had left early for some untold reason. Without actually delving into the stuff, there were some important-looking things left, and I was afraid she'd really need them. Being a good little samaritan, I tried finding a way to unite Nancy with her stuff. Bobbi was about to leave and lived the closest to Nancy, so we got the stuff to her and thought everything was settled. I even glommed onto a few free books KLS left in the hall in a giveaway box (a few she didn't want to cart home, I guess). Now all we needed to do was settle the bill and get on our ways.

Kristi came back and we soon discovered that again, no good deed goes unpunished. Half the stuff left in the room was indeed Nancy's, but the rest was Kristi's. She was going with Malia and another to stay a few days in Manhattan, and so really needed the stuff. We went through all kinds of permutations and plans and what-ifs to figure out how to deal with this new problem; apparently getting Bobbi to Fed-Ex the stuff back would be too late and anything else would be quite impractical. We spent a while trying to catch Bobbi, who was on the road...by the time we did she was almost in Philly. She had to pick up someone at the airport and do other things, so she couldn't swing back, so all the logical options were out.

Devastated that I'd inadvertently caused all this trouble, it was my responsibility to dig us out. Seeing that Bobbi got to Philadelphia in about 90 mins. or so, and obviously there was no rush in getting to Canada, I said, well, we'll just make it a day-trip and go down to Philly, get the stuff from Bobbi, see a historical site or two, have dinner, and I'd drop Kristi back off in Manhattan. Kristi was relieved, and I think a little amazed that someone would do that, and Malia even contributed gas money, so that just left contacting Bobbi. We finally got hold of her and she gave us options and directions, and we were as set as we could get. Then we cleared the room and went out to pay up. There was another snafu there, because the room was in Nancy's name but her card was rejected or something, so we had to figure that out, but at long last we got paid up and headed out. Half of us went to Manhattan and the other half aimed for the New Jersey Turnpike to Philadelphia.

Ironically, I was heading straight into the very area I'd avoided in coming to Tarrytown. Not that I wouldn't love to see the sights, but I didn't really want to deal with the driving headaches. Little is so bothersome to me as tollroads and crazed overcrowded traffic. But it was still early on a Sunday, so we were optimistic, playing CDs and still cracking Pep Boys jokes (a running joke in the room all weekend...don't ask). And it wasn't too awful at first, but it got bad very fast. The turnpike was so full no one could move, it was rainy, and every few feet had some sort of construction blockage. The fastest speed we attained was about 20mph for a moment or two. It took hours just to get to a gas stop half-way to Philly, in the rain. The little day-trip turned into a cross-country trek, and we finally got to Philadelphia around dusk, maybe five hours later, straight down the turnpike. Argh! Then we had to find Bobbi's, which took some doing in the rain and half-light, but we succeeded in that, whoohoo! Sadly, no opportunity to do any sightseeing for all that effort, and we couldn't even see any place to stop to eat without a lot of work to park--not something we were eager to deal with in the dark and rain in a city neither of us knew well. So we gave up and headed back north, having a gourmet meal at a Burger King in Maplewood. As I recall I had to remind the counter folks I was still waiting on my order, even as Kristi had finished hers, lol. Not my day?

On we went, another five hours to New York, and eons of white-knuckling our way into the Holland Tunnel...they had some change lanes open and suddenly closed all but one at the last moment, which caused a lot of unnecessary and somewhat vicious maneuvering and repositioning...then they re-opened a lane at the last minute, ufda...but we finallllllllly got into Manhattan. Around midnight. Kristi pointed out some stuff, and I did my best to do quick peeks up at the Empire State Building, etc. while trying to spot street signs and avoid traffic hazards. Kristi tried to encourage me to come and stay with them, and I strongly considered it; I was definitely pooped. But I had a car loaded with stuff and every garage we passed was closed for the night; the hotel they were staying at did not have parking, and running it all through my mind, I couldn't imagine getting out now with the luggage I'd need (or I'd need to repack since stuff was in different bags, neither option I cared for at that moment) and walking X-distance after midnight in Manhattan just for a few hours sleep. So I was truly grateful for the offer but declined...too much energy would be required and I had been to Manhattan a few times before, so I'd live without this particular opportunity.

Dropping off Kristi, waving farewell and making sure she got into the lobby, I pulled back into the traffic and headed north. At least I hoped I was going north. It was rather difficult to tell a lot of things. The map said one thing but the reality was a little foggy. I ran into a totally unexpected toll road, but I did my best to keep the water (Hudson) on my left...somewhere. I got as far as Yonkers just fine, and then got lost. The map and the world definitely did not match here, and I went in circles and circles and circles for a long time. I ended up next to the police station, but could see no police around to ask for directions. To my shock, I couldn't read my map...my eyes were so weary I could not focus at all. I had gone quite farsighted...I could see just fine, but not up close. Apparently I had aged decades during this jaunt.

Giving up and driving totally by intuition and the sense of water to the left, I found my way out and back up on the way to Tarrytown. By the way, when I got home and told this to a friend born and raised in the area, she said the very same thing had happened to her a year or two before--getting lost in Yonkers and circling around at night. Must be a trap...isn't there a play about that, Damn Yonkers?

At any rate I pulled in for gas at the Tarrytown station just up the street from where I'd started off, and then went over to the grocery store lot across the way to take a nap. But there was a sign forbidding that so I couldn't really doze. I just rested my eyes for awhile, noting the streetcleaner and other nightfolk nearby. Around 2 or 3am I inched my way back up the highway to get back up to the interstate, pulling over at a reststop here and there to get a little eye-rest.

Dark Shadows Festival Banquet

2008-01-20T20:23:00.000-06:00

Those of us who'd watched the Collinsports Players show milled out of the banquet room. Most of the hall had cleared; it was suppertime or at least time to get ready for it, a big break in the proceedings any way you looked at it. I headed back to the room, and was a bit surprised that I was the only one there. Okay, so maybe I was just the first one back. I was pretty sure everyone else in the room had at least something to do with the banquet festivities.

Time for the climax of the weekend. So I got all gussied up. Cleaned up good, took my time...changed into my smart duds. I'd borrowed a dark wine dressy pants-suit thing with an Indian motif from my sister (it was easy to pack). New shoes, to my annoyance, had a blemish straight out of the box (melted on the trip or something weird) but, not much to do for it, and who'd be looking anyway. Wore an Indian necklace and fixed up my hair, and ta da. Waited. Waited. Looked for weather news on the telly. Colored. Strange, no one else coming. Surely they wouldn't eat before the banquet, would they? Maybe. Anyway, plenty of time to kick back and listen to my stomach growl and feet whine.

Malia came in close to time when the banquet was to start. I think they had pushed the time back a little; late in getting things organized, so it still wasn't anything to rush about. Having nothing else to do, I went on to scout. Malia said she'd follow later. I still wondered what was going on, exactly. Sherlock is always curious.

I headed over to the hall and there was a line. I saw Julie there; she explained that it was a handicapped-folks line, essentially, and everyone else was supposed to wait outside somewhere. I wasn't in any rush to get in line or anything, I was just wandering around finding out what was what and people-watching. Julie bust a blister on her foot and was hobbling and said that warranted her spot. I could empathize, with my own flat feets hissing at me, but I just sat nearby and chatted. I gathered there'd been several changes in arrangements and organization, and sat back and observed things. The group in line was finally allowed in. One lady was rather hysterical since her friend had gone in already but had her ticket; another lady had some similar problem. Emotional group. I'd noted that all weekend. JF certainly stirs up peoples' passionate sides, and I've been to a great many conventions and celebrity events. Not too many of those have had people quite so emotional. Anyway I think everyone was allowed in, that I saw.

They started letting the outside folks in through the side, so I went in after the first group in the back, and edged toward the front. The whole room was back-to-back round tables. It was utterly amazing how many there were, and I wondered how on earth people would be able to move once they got settled. Front tables were taped off and numerous seats filled up fast. I saw no one but Julie that I knew, and she seemed to have a full table anyway. Flashing on my original prediction that I'd pay a mint to sit alone and eat 2000 miles from home, I sought out a place to sit. I wound up in the front-middle of the room, more-or-less; about as close to anything as I could get anyway. So I sat with a couple at table 33.

A few more sat, a teacher, a few kids.

We all admired the table settings and fidgeted awhile.

Attempts at some chitchat were made but it was

rather awkward for the most part,

and very hard to hear anyone for all the

people coming in.

So, much more observing.

I wasn't exactly in a good position to see the

stage-part of the room, though. This is what I saw.

Glasses of water, coffee cups, silverware, coffee stuff, a roll and pat of butter, linen napkins and a candle...each table had 11-13 chairs around it (apparently we were to eat with our chins, since a full table had no elbow room), and we estimated about 80-some tables in the room. PeoplePeoplePeople, and still people came in. My mind started reeling over logistics. The waitstaff began serving, and had a devil of a time doing it since they could not get through the areas where the tables had filled out. No aisles had been created for them, and there was much bumping and could-you-move-pleases, although they were impressive in getting the food out, considering the situation.

It was all very pretty, a fancy chicken dish and garlicky potatoes (can you have that in an event celebrating a vampire?), seems like there were some steamed greenbeans or something interesting, and it did start out with an intriguing little salad that had some ingredient that a lot of folks couldn't identify. Mostly the men refused to eat it, which I got a chuckle out of. I think it was a kind of mushroom. That one little roll, some wine I think, coffee, then a pretty slice of NY cheesecake. It all came rather fast once it came, and was tasty, and I was definitely stuffed all the same, to my surprise.

It occurred to me, in the given situation, Jonathan would almost have had to have eaten before the banquet...this was a little crazy. Which probably explained where the rest of the roomies went, etc. I wondered how he was going to be able to sign pictures, or even how they were going to handle that promised aspect of the event...the numbers versus the time seemed too staggering to me. Hopefully they'd all worked something out and I was seeing problems where there were none.

After eating and waiting,

I finally got out the camera

and started snapping a shot or two.

Turning around (which took some doing)

I could just see the stage.

There were a few things passed around as bonus extras, like calendars, I believe. When most people had eaten or at least been served, and da Man had arrived, tributes began. Dark Shadows Folk gave little speeches to honor Jonathan Frid.

Katherine Leigh Scott started things off, I think. I played more with my camera. Mostly just looking through it and fiddling with buttons, though. Telephoto in candlelight isn't really conducive to sharp shots, but some photographs turned out better than others.

Headshot of KLS. I'm jealous of the figure. Mrph. But then, I never had one to start with. (Well, I guess "sausage" is a shape, too.)

Then Marie Wallace added some nice things. Jonathan had quite a turn-out, indeed. Finally picked out someone else I could (somewhat) recognize, from my viewpoint. This is Mark, Jonathan's webmaster du jour. And finally they gave John a chance to respond to all that gushing. There was also a nifty video tribute and other bonuses. Enjoyed the video...

Before and after much of this, Jonathan was apparently back in a corner signing his fingers off. Table-groups were led one-by-one to line up over on the far left side of the stage area to get JF's autograph. Bobbi and others were herding people into the right spots as other things kept going. Here's a Dark Shadows person whose name and job I managed to miss (sorry!). But part of the kudos-giving gang for Jonathan.

Diana Millay was at a table nearby.

Door prizes were awarded. Fun was had. But our table was about one-third into the room and not near being called up for signings, and it was getting pretty late. I could see that either Jonathan was capable of far greater endurance than I would have dreamed, or that very soon a lot of people were going to be disappointed. This aspect was not planned out well. I could see DSF '93 coming back to haunt me, where I went through the entire con and didn't see JF, and waited in the autograph line for hours only to have him throw in the pen a few people before I got up to bat. So to speak.

But Bobbi came by and said "TABLE 33!" Our time to line up. Well, well, maybe I'd get to say howdy at the con after all. So we gathered our things and got into the autograph line to the side, getting ready for our minute with the big guy. We stood, and stood, and stood some more. I wished I hadn't taken my bookbag...had my drawing junk in it so it was heavy. Got around the corner and noted that most of the people I Did know had tables up here, including my roomies. Sigh. I chatted with one or two while in line. Waited some more. Memorabilia stuff was being auctioned off, I think, on stage. About at the point I could finally see JF, I noticed some bad signs; namely a tired nervousness, then a pause where JF called in his aides for a huddle, and then Jim heading towards the mike. Uh oh, this is it. I'm about 2-3 people from the autograph table...

And yep, Jim announced that sadly JF had to call it quits for the night. Dang. Not at all a surprise to me, though it did hit a lot of others unhappily. So, um, now what, we in line wondered...was he going to finish the line or announce something more or what? We waited around awkwardly. Then it came that if autographs were needed, he'd do them later and mail them back (arrangements would be made) or he'd try to do some more in the morning before heading back to Canada. That was it. We stood about a little more, if only because it was a bit difficult to back out until others did, and then most headed out the banquet room, in dribs and drabs.

I went back to the room, de-gussied myself (gee, all that dress-effort and no one saw) and began packing, organizing, figuring out what to do next, etc. I still didn't know where on earth my cooler was...it apparently did not manage to follow me back to the room at any point. But I made a number of trips to the car so I wouldn't have to do so much in the morning. I made one round back to the hall much later and ran into KLS just enough to say hi; both of us making a cursory check that things weren't left, I guess. I never did hear anything about the "flood" in San Antonio (even when I got back). Hmm. Eventually I showered and got comfy working a puzzle and others ambled in and at some point, we called it a night.

Lara Parker and the Collinsport Players

2008-01-20T19:38:00.000-06:00

Lara Parker reprised her role as Angelique for the Collinsport Players' skit. It was all great fun, although I have to admit that I don't recall the exact details of the play, with half a year having gone by (I'm pulling this stuff all out of my head as I type) and perhaps with my being semi-mesmerized by the little loop-de-loop thingie-way Lara was wearing her necklace.

But as we say down south,

it was a hoot. (We owls say it too)

Angelique carried around a subtle (?)

bit of self-promotion [book].

Sophia noticed that the whole situation

seemed just a little bit weird... But of course Angie always has ways

of talking people into...whatever.

Witchy ways. Innocent ways.

Not-so-innocent ways.

Every-witch-ways.

Rose was bitten, and the rest had to work this all out... Barnabas and Angelique had a different

perspective on things, for some reason.... Finally there was some oddball solution...

And the cast took their bows and delighted applause.

The audience was then immediately hustled out to

make room for the upcoming banquet.

Ah, don'tchaknowit, the entertainment goes by too fast.

The Golden Girls Do Collinsport

2008-01-09T02:02:00.000-06:00

When Jonathan finished, he and a fair portion of the audience left the ballroom, but it wasn't quite time to pack things in for the banquet yet. More of a time to rest up before the big event, or do last-minute shopping or autograph-hunting from the actresses and dealers in the hall. I finally could work my way back up to the front row VIP seats and sit down. Whump. Now what? I'd have probably left, too, but my feet held me prisoner for the moment.

I am certainly glad I stuck around, for the group calling themselves the Collinsport Players put on a marvelous little skit, crossing the somewhat disparate TV universes of the Golden Girls and Dark Shadows!

It started out with the traditional broken-down car problem/needing travel help, I think. At least I seem to remember it that way. I'd written a similar plot years ago in my head (the better versions being with Carl Kolchak [Night Stalker] winding up in Collinsport, with JF playing the mysterious auto mechanic duffer who drops hints his way; or at least having Mrs. Jessica Fletcher trip over a body somewhere...[Murder She Wrote]). Anyway, it gets things started. Well, except for the car.

All the actors did very well, but I think the fellow who portrayed Dorothy really hit the mark! He did a fabulous Bea Arthur...

Here are Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sophia (Ma), Collinsport Player-style. This is Willie, and of course Barnabas, working in some timely Johnny Depp-Barnabas jokes...

...Playing things up rather campily to the hilt...

Sophia and Dorothy meet Barnabas Collins. After a fashion, anyway. Barnabas permits them to spend the night at the Old House. Especially the naïve Rose Nyland... Barnabas enjoys striking dramatic or brooding poses, here and there. Everyone needs a hobby.

I think it's the cane...

And of course just when Barnabas has made his plans just so, guess who springs back in town at just the wrong time?!

Jonathan Frid Describes Kate Hepburn

2008-01-07T16:44:00.000-06:00

My last vid-clip at the convention was about Jonathan Frid's experience working with Katharine Hepburn. If I could have heard better where I was and had been with it sooner I'd have gotten the beginning of the question, but this is what I have, so there.

I love the way he describes her little laugh. hahahaha

I used to laugh a nervous (unconscious) little laugh after everything...mom pointed it out (like saying uh or like or you know to fill in the pauses). She used to refer to it as an Irish giggle. Not sure if that's quite the same as Kate's, though! Then again...

Not that I stopped my laughing. But there is much in life for eye-rolling and smirking, too.

Jonathan Frid and the Fan Questions

2008-01-07T16:10:00.002-06:00

Aha, so that's how you take a video-clip. I tried a couple more for kicks, but being so far away without a tripod to stabilize the image, a clip was about all I could manage anyway. All the flashies in the videos are indeed camera flashes. So I didn't really need flash, LOL!

Fans could line up to a mike and ask Jonathan questions. Here's a relatively well-known fan asking something about plots and scripts, which being pretty much out of JF's ballpark and some 40 years back, has Jonathan rather flummoxed.

Next Question!! Oh what fun!

Frid Vidbits

2008-01-07T15:35:00.000-06:00

I was entertained on many levels, listening to JF and playing with the camera, watching and listening to people and their reactions, etc. Now I couldn't sit down even if I spotted a seat, since it was easier to aim across the room while standing. With my aching feet, I guess it was a form of suffering for your art.

Which I do way too often.

Here's Jonathan gesticulating away.

In fooling around with the settings, I noticed more things. It finally hit me that hey, I could take a frid-clip! So I randomly turned on the recording action on my camera to see what would happen. First Frid-test: (--which is also a new thing to me, uploading a vid-clip online...hope this works!)

JF is trying to answer a question from a fan and gets derailed. I think it had to do with what JF watched on TV. {the News}

Jonathan Frid Q&A Time

2008-01-07T14:14:00.000-06:00

After we finished playing with sticks, I think I decided there was just enough time before the next JF event to do a little more selling. Not really enough time, so I was wishy-washy about it (I was hungry and my feet were still killing me, and running around back-and-forth from one side of the hotel to the other with a ton of boxes and portfolios on a squeaky dolly through a crowded hall was getting to be a bit of a drag). However, you don't drive 2000 miles just to say, nahhh. So I went oot-and-aboot with a minimal load...I think some cards and the leftover magnets and JF's albums. Robin and I hocked DVDs for a bit, and I colored some more to fill time. I figured it was only kind to allow the fans as much time to look at JF's stuff as possible. Good stuff in there! Of course I was admiring the album portfolios as much as what was in them. Where'd you get those, JF?

People vanished and it was obvious JF was getting ready for his question-and-answer panel and general Barnabas Collins and Frid spiel. So I packed up yet again, and double-checked stuff. Found things others had left so I glommed those too, and squeaked back to the room, against the crowd.

Malia was there, finishing off lunch (a nice pizza) and said if I wanted any it was fine, she was done, and she headed off to the event. At first I thought well, I've got all this stuff to unload and then need to run to the ballroom, and the banquet isn't that far away; then my tummy decided to heck with my head and insisted stopping for a slice...a bit of coffee and soda just wasn't going to cover the weekend, lol. So I crammed a slice into my face while putting my camera things together and decided what to take. This gave me instant heartburn but I felt better in other sectors!

I ran back with an overloaded bookbag of things since I didn't have enough time to sort, and things had already started. I slipped in and joined the Wall Support Contingent along the hall-side wall. I longed to go up and get one of those reserved seats up front, or any seat, for that matter, but JF was in the middle of things and the ballroom was SRO for the most part (at least it would have been very difficult to navigate with a big bag and camera junk). I was too polite to try to work my way up to the stage in the middle of someone's talk. So I swayed and alternated feet and kept the wall up for most of the panel. I did eventually work my way closer to the front, along the wall, as people left or found seats or got tired of standing.

I think JF did some more readings, but mostly this was about the Festival, his career, and general questions for Jonathan. So there was much taking of pictures by all. If he wasn't near-sighted to start with, I'm sure all the flashes over time would have resulted in the same thing, LOL. Anyway I eventually turned my camera on, too. I didn't think I was close enough to get anything, but I figured I'd try to learn the settings on this dang thing. The viewscreen shots looked great, but I was having more and more trouble seeing up close myself, suddenly. Most of the blurry shots I have, if not due to movement, are just because they were telephotoed out the wazoo. The camera has the anti-shake feature, but I guess getting anything to show up from across a darkened room is amazing.

Jonathan Frid fielding questions from fans. Telephoto makes it look like I'm a lot closer than I am! It's a tad fuzzy, but I'm impressed. Virtually a Hubble Telescope shot, lol! Listening to a fan.

Hmmmm....

I thought I'd get a few 'ambiance' shots of the ballroom. This is a good deal later during a bit of a pause and I'm still against the wall, but a bit closer to the stage yet still in the middle section of the room.

A shot showing my angle without the telephoto going. Frid is talking and he's on screen as well; Nancy is on the other side getting a picture, too. I think you can just make out Jim Pierson to the right of Nancy, and the back of Marie Wallace straight ahead of me, before JF (between the camera tripods).

Nancy, courtesy of my nifty telephoto powers.

Jonathan. More close-up attempts.

Some aren't too bad. Some were quite good!

Some were...eh.

John wanted to go out to California to teach before he got waylaid by the Barnabas Collins role (which was supposed to be a quickie 2-week job). Maybe he didn't become an official teacher, but it seems like every time I have some sort of dealings with him, I learn a lot about Something.

I've certainly gotten a lot more tech-savvy over the last few years, much of it related to him in some way. Funny...certainly didn't plan on any of it!

Better shot--Jonathan getting into an answer (he uses his hands when he gets passionate about something).

The Cane

2008-01-06T16:47:00.001-06:00

I believe some of the Ladies of Dark Shadows were up next to entertain or answer questions, but I needed a break. On the way to the room I met up with Nancy, heading the same way with Jonathan's cane. Seeing opportunity, I asked to borrow it. After all, she knew where I lived. So like a runner, I had the Stick.

After a few twirls and swaggers and mock beatings,

I did what anyone would do with a stick. Took its portrait. This is Jonathan's wolf's head cane.

It's either lying against his photo album cover

or my portfolio...at any rate a nice textured basic black there.

Yes, I was very amused with the irony

of having this much fun over a stick. You get your kicks where you can.

I'm an artist. I have a thing for sticks.

We all got into it and snapped pictures of each other

with the cane. I know there's a shot of Nancy with it

and I know I took Malia's, but apparently neither

with my camera. Phoo. I did get Kristi... And Kristi got me.

Surprise!

2008-01-06T16:14:00.000-06:00

When Jonathan Frid was wrapping up his Reader's Theatre performance, another fellow entered the stage behind him. Surprise! Larry Storch dropped by to wish JF well on his anniversary celebration (40th anniversary of Barnabas Collins, in case you didn't realize it).

Jonathan and Larry had worked together in the late '80s in the national tour of Arsenic & Old Lace. Which was fabulous, I'm able to report first-hand, having been lucky enough to live in one of the cities the play toured. Jonathan played the murderous Jonathan Brewster,

and Larry was his side-kick unethical surgeon,

Dr. Einstein.

After a few moments of greeting and acknowledgement, JF turned the stage over to Larry for a moment, as an extra treat for the fans (and probably for Larry, lol!).

Deferring to his own trademark role,

Corporal Agarn launched into an Indian joke.

Bad enough to do any F-Troop aficionado proud,

'twas all in good fun and a happy boon.

Dripping in nostalgia, I headed out to the room after JF & Mr. Storch left the ballroom. I remember not only watching many hours of F-Troop, but visiting the Arizona set. I've met Forest Tucker so it made a nice pairing in my mind, getting to add another Larry Storch sighting to my people collection. hehehh

Frid's Reading

2008-01-06T15:46:00.000-06:00

This was Jonathan's hour, and he made a bit of use of it. He read selections from his Reader's Theatre stories. Since it's been about five months I can't quite recall what he did when, but as usual, it was mesmerizing to listen to him, and entertaining just to watch.

Happy Frid.

Growly Frid.

Frid at his podium, complete with Barnabas' cane.

Eyebrows aloft Frid. Jonathan directing us to see a film clip.

JF elaborating...and looking up into the ether...

Seeking the teleprompt in the sky...

Argh, again...one of us moved. LOL.

Enter: Jonathan Frid

2008-01-02T23:59:00.000-06:00

After several trips back-and-forth to the room, I was ready for JF's performance. Ironically I passed him and his entourage frequently, since their room was next to ours, but I didn't bother anyone. Entering the ballroom for the first time, it was an impressive sight, full of people. Nancy passed by and said I could go sit up front in the VIP section. Who was I to argue? I finally made it up front-row center, behind the A-V guys, and felt exceedingly lucky indeed.

Nancy wanted someone to be sure and get JF's entry, so Malia had digirecorder-duty. I should have done the same thing but didn't realize how on my camera until later. Still trying to get used to the settings...we have one at the library that is similar in heft but has quite different features, so I get the two mixed up. Pffft. Anyway I did have a good seat.

Jim Pierson came in to get the ball rolling,

and made the big introduction.

Then to roaring applause, Jonathan came out on stage. And I had quite a hoot myself, since I saw him doing the very thing I'd suggested to him (in a much earlier e-mail)...essentially the "Willy Wonka" entry. Which was also somewhat the inspiration for the little .gif I did for him for his website. For those scratching their heads, Wonka comes out from the chocolate factory, for the first time in decades, walking wobbily, old man-wise with a cane (to the alarm of the children). At some point he pretends to lose the cane and falls forward, but instead of crashing on his face he does a flip and ta-da, to everyone's surprise and delight. Jonathan did a take on this, ending up in a little "Frid Astaire" dance with Barnabas' wolf's-head cane.

As he was in motion and I was agog,

my shot of him dancing wasn't exactly contest-worthy,

but you get the idea.

When things settled a bit, he began his reading performances. Additionally there was a large screen to his side where slide pictures and film clips were shown, etc. A multi-media act.

Jonathan Frid speaks.

And reads.

And emotes.

And pauses dramatically.

Saturday Morning at the Festival

2008-01-02T22:23:00.000-06:00

Jeepers, it's been over a month since I've had a moment to breathe...er, post. So where was I?

Saturday morning (August 18, 2007, I think) things began in earnest for the Dark Shadows Festival. Nancy had been rather annoyed about having certain gofering duties, to the extent that I expected something (unfortunate) to happen. There was mention of my going out to have breakfast with her & JF and others, either this morning or the next, but that wasn't the something that ever happened. I was up and finishing off the JF poster and a couple of info signs for the inside of his albums. Nancy could not find her car key. We turned the place upside-down (more or less) till the last possible moment and still had no luck, though it had to be in the room somewhere. I was sure it would magically appear...as soon as Nancy didn't need it. Finally she had to make calls and rearrange things and ran off to deal with the world. I made coffee and sat down and played armchair detective (after a few more futile searches with Malia).

After a lot of observing and deducing angles and possible actions, and triple-checking under the bed and behind places it really couldn't have been, I imagined what could have happened...Nancy tended to sit at the far corner chair and stick her stuff on the little lamp table. Nothing was directly under the table, but her shoes and a box were nearby. I didn't want to nose into anything personal, but I figured the only likely place for the key to be was in that box...if someone had turned near the table, it could have slid off, bopped the shoes/box edge and slid in. Odd, but possible. So I peeked into the box, under a purse or something, and there it was. One problem solved...

Then, caffeinated and tickled, I hauled off to the Frid tables. Not so easily done now, as crowds were milling about. I set up my stuff and JF's photo albums, put up Richard III on the corner, tacked up the poster, inserted the info signs, took pix, and played merchant most of the day. Helped sell or direct people to JF's DVDs, answered what questions I could, colored a lot. I never got around any of the DS actresses directly, although I did respond to Lara Parker (a joking remark) as I passed by with my dolly of stuff, to something or other she was asking about in general.

Lots of people. Lots of stories. Quite a few were a bit stressed over getting into the banquet. The banquet was the main event of the evening, and already sold out. Theoretically that was the one place fans would have some access to Jonathan...he'd be signing photos for banqueters and there'd be a relevant program. I heard lots of stuff about the banquet...I was a trifle worried myself since people said something had been mailed out to be filled in so JF could be prepped for the grand task of signing an evening away, and I'd been on the road for a week plus by this point. Nothing to do for it, if true...

I was sympathetic and flabbergasted about one fellow, though. He was desperate to get into the banquet...there was some problem; either he was too late to get tickets or something else had happened...anyway he was doing his most-ut to find some way to connect with Jonathan. Apparently he possessed all of a set of something, gum cards or such, and had all of them personally autographed except for Frid's, and he figured this was his only chance ever to complete his set. He wanted me to get JF to sign the card for him, if there was no way to get into the banquet. He'd give it to me and I could mail it back to him somehow. I could see his fear of missing an opportunity, but I was amazed that he didn't see what he was doing, either. I mean, we didn't know each other at all, and I told him I had no direct means to JF, hadn't seen him yet, and was very dubious about having any greater chance to get him to sign something than he himself had (and while I am the most honest and forthright being on the planet, he had no reason to think that...I could have just run off with his nifty memento and made a few bucks on eBay). Anyway I declined (good thing...I did think I'd see JF later, but I really never got to, more than the next guy) and tried to direct him to Jim Pierson. I wasn't sure what he could do, either, but he was the guy in charge. Hope the autograph hound managed something, anyway.

Here's the early set up for my bit of JF's turf.

I did sell the original pencil sketch of JF/Richard III just before packing up, and most of my DS magnets. That was very nice.

Malia and Robin are manning the DVD Central end of things....

They've got it all organized! Malia even ran her portable DVD player.

End-angle. Fans are browsing through JF's personal scrap albums of his career. It was nice to have the "airy" end of the hall, rather than being in the midst of the crowds. As long as we got buyers drifting our way, of course.

Eventually the dealers began disappearing, since it was getting close to time for Jonathan to make his official entrance. My stuff takes awhile to pack (and I'm ever the optimist) so I was there to the last moment, selling a few extra DVDs and hauling all my stuff and Frid's stuff back to the room, including a few things others had left under the table, etc. Miss Reliable got it all nice and safe before scuttling back to the ballroom, pant, pant, pant...though I did start feeling not unlike a burro. Hee-haw!

Party!!

2007-11-12T04:19:00.000-06:00

Hobbled back to the hotel room after disembarking from the Lyndhurst shuttle, got a drink, found some way (after a bit of searching) to recharge my camera battery without hampering anyone else's electrical needs, and sat a bit. Finished off any carrot or whatever I had; rather hungry but there was a party around the bend and who knows, maybe someone would want to go eat or something. But it looked like everyone had already gone out and done their thing, so to speak; no one else was around, the cooler was humming and full of food, so the party shopping was obviously done, etc. And I was pooped. I checked the TV as I rested. People kept saying San Antonio had been hit by flooding and a hurricane was brewing, so I kept checking the weather whenever I had the chance to see if I'd have to swim home. But I never did catch anything about south Texas. Seems like there's always a great lot of precipitation whenever I leave home. How does it know?

After determining I wasn't going to find out much at that moment, I eventually went off scouting. Looked like the hall stuff was revving up, so I went back to the room to get things to set up, and with Malia, I think, we started the Frid Market going. Once we hacked our way through the jungle to get there, that is...well, it wasn't too bad at that point, but later...throngs. See, the con was set up in a hallway in front of a ballroom. Standard enough for media cons. But after that the logic seemed to break down a bit. I'm sure there were reasons for things, but it certainly looked ill-planned and was the biggest complaint I heard for two days. The tables led up to the end of the hall, but there was nowhere to go when you got there; you had to double-back through the mobs of fans and shoppers, as the hall was kept closed for use by the celebrities and con workers to gain entry into the ballroom. Not too awful Friday, since things were still getting-going, but it was pretty bad on Saturday. That might have been acceptable except for the membership table...most cons have their tables out where they are as easily accessed as possible, so you can get your packet/tickets/badges and move on out with alacrity. In this case you'd think Registration would be the first peopled tables you'd see in the front end of the hall, or maybe they'd be a little separated out front before the dealers' area, or in the side hall, or even in reverse at the end of the hall, forcing everyone to give a passing look at the sales items. But it was kind of in the middle of things, and so people were very confused about where to line up to do what. You'd be in line thinking you were in pre-registration and find that you were in the line for a booksigning, or you'd want to buy a ticket and the person next to you thinks that's the place to get a photo of one of the ladies of Dark Shadows, etc. Anyway after I got my registration stuff I just did my best to avoid the whole thing. But I heard from everyone else about it!

So we set up at the farthest end of the hall at Frid's tables. Malia set up her video version of JF's bio on one side, we had the new "Fridiculousness" videos up in the middle, and I took the far end to sell a few leftover but relevant things, essentially serving as Frid's advertising. (Did I mention I do art? Drew up the DVD cover for JF? Guess you might need a connection or two there) I brought the Richard III painting I did of him to set up as a hook, as the natural thing for people to do in that spot was to walk up the hall and turn directly around and go back, preferably without actually going the to the full end of the hall. But the painting caught peoples' eyes and they'd turn and circle back, stare at it, mutter, ask questions, and wander back to Frid's table and start shopping. What astonished me was that people began taking pictures of it, posing with it, asking when it would be auctioned or for how much, etc. I hadn't thought of it in any serious sales terms, since I wanted to at least offer Jonathan the opportunity of seeing it first...not that I wouldn't have accepted a great offer, mind you...but the way things went (no one actually made any offer), I thought it was funny and started thinking of the painting as Surrogate Frid. (Sur Frid?)

Sales weren't bad, considering my own luck at such things these days. Not enough to run across the border with but a steady dribble. I entertained myself by finishing coloring bookmarks, which I'd give to any book-buyers. But no one bought a Dr. DNA book, or even looked remotely interested, or asked about them. I illustrated them and they contained a page with Barnabas in the background, and of course I informed anyone who'd listen...however, magnets and coloring books finally moved a bit. Selling Anything was fantastic. Tired of storing everything! LOL And I made myself be as social as I could manage, talking to anyone who looked puzzled enough (and suddenly becoming Surrogate Frid's agent). I manned the tables until it was time to close the hall down...missed JF's intro due to a time change or some miscommunication about it at the table, but I sold a few extra DVDs for him. I wasn't too worried about 'missing' stuff, since I'd already met the ladies at a previous Dark Shadows Festival or two. Marie Wallace had been very nice, Lara Parker had been ok but distracted, and Kathy Leigh Scott had been so alert to my presence that she'd signed my book with someone else's name. But I told her not to worry about it since after that I had the anecdote, heheh. I assumed I'd meet Jonathan at some point, at the party or after things or before things or at the least after the con back in Canada, so I didn't press that matter much either. I didn't want to get in the way of anyone dying to see their idols. It's a good rule. Never get in front of anyone dying, period.

At any rate, there was a lull time after packing up stuff and taking it back to the room. Got prettied up a little for the party, though that was to be a bit later, so there was some time to doodle or rest. At least no one requested help chopping edibles. Nancy was throwing this nice (private) welcome party for JF and some friends, and had been busy prepping for it and I suppose supporting JF in rehearsals or the like. She or someone did manage to let me in on what room the party would be happening. A useful plus. My sister claims I have "Ninja" powers because of my long history of being 'invisible.' An amazing capacity for being ignored or forgotten, even when in front of people or otherwise dreadfully obvious. I've had people try to walk or drive right through me...even when I'm with others they seem to make a beeline straight into me and then screech in alarm that I suddenly appeared out of the blue. People get mad at me for not telling them things like my winning stuff or being on TV or whatever, and don't believe me when I say it's because I didn't know myself--I'm literally the last to know (one art teacher was really mad about such a contest...the winning painting--for the Shriners, gee, another clown contest!--mine, was auctioned off for big bucks, for a high schooler, and was on the local news...how could I not tell her? IT WAS NEWS TO ME!). I've been locked in a bathroom at NBC for half an hour and my friends never even noticed (crawled out under the door), not invited to oodles of events simply because someone thought they told me/sent word/notified me of a meeting change but actually forgot...I have a huge collection of self-drawn replacement con name tags because 75% of the time mine is missing/lost/forgotten, even if I'm a guest! I enter places loudly and still manage to spook people--the ultimate example of "Oh did I startle you?", even if they spoke to me and saw me...somehow, they just, forget, lock me in places, make business appointments with me and totally forget about them, even an hour ahead (and more than once! ugh). Oh folks know I exist, and I've been recognized in unbelievable ways ("yeah, I was on the same bus with you to the College Bowl field trip meet that one weekend 24 years ago, how're ya doing?")...my friends said, upon not batting a lash about my showing up to visit one day after years living out-of-state, that they weren't surprised because I simply never changed. Personally I beg to differ, at least these last 10 years, but I do get a kick referring to the self-portrait hidden away in a closet...;-> .

Which is all a drawn-out (heheh) way to say I'm a loner, even in a crowd. Invisibility combined with shyness and an oversized round head and you get Charlie Brown. Or Charlene Brown. Something like that. I mean, otherwise why would I be typing this to who knows whom in the wee hours? LOL

Anyway, made it to Nancy's fête. Nice little spread left still on the sideboard, people milling about, most anything to sit on taken. In fact when I came in it looked more like a banquet. I looked around, but really didn't know anyone much. I brought the painting for JF and shoved it to the side behind the window curtain, bumped into Julie again, and we looked over the munchies. I got some ginger ale or something along those lines, and stood around. Stood over there. Stood over here. Wandered across the room and stood. Very adept at standing around. I talked when I could, of course. Mark, JF's webmaster, introduced himself, catching me off guard a bit, and I met a few folks I kindasorta knew a little. Mostly I practiced different stances. I would have liked to 'party-aid' and sat and done quickie drawings for people--brought stuff with me even, my ice-breaking default system--but there seemed to be a lack of sitting spots at the time. I held the walls up here and there instead.

Jonathan made an Entrance. He was immediately joined by Lara Parker, and the room suddenly tipped the scale from party to papparazzi event, everyone whipping out cameras and running up to the actors. I figured this was understandable, but wasn't quite what I'd expected. I got my camera out, but I stayed back, holding the wall at bay; plus didn't have my flash going (seemed a bit rude) so my shots tend to be blurry here. But tweaking with an art program does help somewhat! Here's Lara and John (and someone's head).

Well, lookee there, I got one in focus. I did step forward for a couple of snaps once the big rush was already lighting up things, lol. Lara and John, not moving quite as much...posing a bit.

Eventually I got a decent shot.

Then I ran back over to the wall, lest it fall down on everyone. So the occasional peek through the lens only netted the fuzziest, or artsiest, of captures.

John isn't the only one who needs glasses...

I have no idea what happened here...except that it was very, very movement-impaired and then blurred oddly. I don't think JF will want this one. Though I do have a Halloween-0-lantern (it's a carved canteloupe...really) that looks a lot like that... This one looks like I used a telephoto lens while still standing in Texas.

Anyway, after all the initial hubbub, oddly enough, it did not settle down into party-mode, exactly anyway. More of Jonathan's Dark Shadows co-actresses came by to wish him well; here's Marie Wallace, for instance.

Jonathan thanked everyone for all the fuss...

And then was pinned to a corner, to apparently hold court with the actresses and a few stalwarts who positioned themselves near Frid, perhaps with the aid of some super-glue. The others of us who were under the ridiculous impression that a party was going on, went to the other side of the room and...hung out.

You know who you are. (and hopefully don't mind these!)

With 2/3 of the room hovering around JF, and the rest of us hanging around trying to hear each other, there was plenty of time to look about. I decided the carpeting was actually one of the most eye appealing things at hand, and the design might even make nice computer wallpaper or something. At any rate it didn't move or blur. Trendsetter that I am, I wasn't the only one photographing the rug.

Noting Nancy's body language, I gathered this all wasn't quite what she had in mind, either. And apparently had a headache. Then I noticed that something wasn't right, but didn't see it immediately. Finally it hit me--my cooler was stuffed with beer and ICE. My heart fell...electronics and water do not mix. I'd said no ice, but as I feared, my invisibility had kicked in and this was not remembered, and no one saw the DO NOT USE ICE imprinted into the cooler's lid. I realized it was an accident, but was a little confused about it since someone had to unplug and turn off the cooler in order to get it to the party room, and therefore one would Think the matter would at least occur to ask about in wonderment. But I suppose I'm a little more curious and usually more observant than the average bear, so I didn't get too upset about it occuring. I was alarmed at what it might cost to replace, but I'm employed now so that's not too awful either...what I was torn about was whether to say anything to Nancy. I didn't want to add stress to the pile, and yet there might be hope to do something if I said something Now...though I wasn't sure what. So I debated a while and finally decided I'd better let her in on it, as gingerly as possible. She was very sorry and I said I knew it was an accident, but had to say Something. I guess I'm not sure why, since dumping it now was impractical...and then I learned there was a party after this one, requiring the drinks and stuff leftover. So I just felt rather dumb and helpless.

Soon, Jonathan was worn out by the table-camp internment and started making his way out, flushing another crowd of photohounds and worshippers suddenly towards the door. Guess that was it. I surmised that I wasn't getting to show him the painting this evening, much less chat. On the other hand, I was quite full of munchies and soda and no longer starving, lol.

So I thanked Nancy for the party and apologized for raining on her parade with the cooler deal. She said she'd pay for whatever, but I was rather at odds about the whole thing. Seems I couldn't do anything now because of the other party starting, so I just ignored it; obviously they were all handling that stuff--and I went to the room...wandered back out; people were meeting up to talk and drink, and I needed to find a girl who'd bought some stuff but left it on the table. Didn't particularly need alcohol, did need to do something, draw, work puzzles, talk, something...did find the girl in question (not too hard, since she was in Goth). But as no one seemed terribly interested in me and I couldn't hear anyone over others, I just went back to the room. Nancy had me do up a few 'signs' for the sales table and a couple of pages of Jonathan's massive scrapbooks, --he was sharing the latter out on his tables for his fans to see. We had to invade her car to get the (paper) supplies (and it had started raining) but we managed and I had a little something more to occupy me than trying to find Texas weather news in New York.

It was a very good idea and effort, anyway!

Finally we all turned in to rest up for the Really big day, which already seemed just a touch forboding....Nancy had to get up early for a lot of gofering, for one thing.

Rose Cottage and the Rest

2007-11-11T22:47:00.000-06:00

After a few hours of extensive exploration out and about the estate, including checking out the stables (prizewinning restrooms, they say), the feet were starting to complain, and most of the Dark Shadows fans were lined up to catch a return bus back to the hotel. However, the shuttles seemed in even less of a rush to pick us up than they'd been to haul us out here, and the line involved a considerably lengthy wait. The ground was moist and so not exactly inviting to sit on, so there was a lot of moaning here at Collinwood. For lack of much else to do, I'd make extra forays around just in case I might have missed something.

I also took a few shots of the children's playhouse, the Rose Cottage. Very nice little spot for a tea party, indeed, though the secret grove was just as appealing in its own way. To get an interior angle, I could sit for a few minutes. ~Ah~ Others did the same, but in deference to other people trying to get personal shots with their friends and families, one couldn't really stay put too long.

Looking up at the stained glass in the front of Lyndhurst, from the Rose Cottage area ...above the porta-cochere.

Peering out between the columns from within Rose Cottage.

Another deviously framed shot of the façade from the playhouse. Picture of the left side of the building, which has a wrap-around porch.

Exhausted with aiming at rocks and vegetation, I crossed paths with Julie, who stopped to focus on something far scarier than anything else around the estate. Obviously this is not a flattering look for me, but it's too late now. At least I assume it's me. Doesn't look like my image of me at all. Came down with hypothyroidism almost a decade ago but never did anything official about it, so I put on an ungodly amount of weight in a short time, sigh. Actually I've lost a good deal but for some reason I seem to appear even bigger. Very baggy clothes are my norm, though I got that t-shirt I'm wearing back when I was pretty svelte. Maybe I'm just getting shorter. That's all I need. More horror.

Sherlock in the doorway of the porta-cochere, being a wallflower as usual.

Cornered!

A lazy summer's day on the porch. And no one brought lemonade?

I took a few modelling shots for fellow Texan Julie so she'd have some decent pix to play with for her projects, and of course, have a few travel momentos besides. I told her about the mysterious beaver, and just as I told her about it, he scampered across the lawn from the grove where I'd left him, to another grouping of trees closer to the stable area. That was a surprise to see Mr. Beaver in his dark suit making a run for it during the height of the day. Not to mention impressing me with his great timing. So I did have a witness...

Finally the shuttle came, and filled up. So another long wait ensued, but eventually I got a ride back to the Marriott. Noted what I could out the window back, but I was pretty worn out, throbbing tootsies, hungry & thirsty. But pleased with the outing, and curious about what would happen next.

Tromping Around the Grounds

2007-11-11T20:16:00.001-06:00

I took the opportunity to thoroughly explore the grounds of the estate. Here's a path to nowhere, a common feature in Collinwood. I presume they had some storms, since there were fallen trees here and there. Either that or the trees were just sunbathing in the August sunshine.

This is a...verdantly...framed view of the back of Lyndhurst.

There were lots of little things to notice, along with the big mansion. Bumblebees in the thistle...

A spookier angle of the mansion.

Rear façade through the branches.

Actually I don't know if the side facing the river or the side facing the road is the "front" of the place, but as the view greeting the visitor initially faces the road, I'm calling that the front and the riverside the rear....

To one side of the house (left) there is a bronze statue. From this angle the figure seems to be reacting in terror to the place, which under the circumstances [Dark Shadows Fest trip] really amused me!

Apples of My Eye

2007-11-11T19:13:00.000-06:00

Lyndhurst from the back Oddly enough, I don't think it ever occurred to me that Lyndhurst would be loaded with apple trees. Linden trees, yes, but not apple. Of course apples are a big staple in the area so I don't know why I'd be surprised. At any rate, they make fine photographic subjects as well as pies. And while I didn't get any pie, I did get an eyeful.

And where there were apple trees, there were geese. Honk honk chomp chomp

At the edge of the estate, alongside the Hudson River, was a railway. Haul 'em in, load 'em out!

Kingdom of the Goose Apples. Kinda gets you, right there in the throat, eh?

Bushels of apples.

The fruits of summer labor. Close up and personal, even.

Hudson River Side

2007-11-05T18:59:00.000-06:00

I walked through the house...I think you could wrap yourself into a tape cassette tour if you wished to go about things with more information and formality, but since I had enough stuff dangling off my neck and had been through the area before, and knew a little about architecture and history and junk anyway, I just mosied about and poked my nose into this room and that, gawked at the art and the various expensive accoutrements of the time, etc. It isn't permitted to take photos inside the house, but there are a few on Lyndhurst's own website.

Eventually I wandered around to the back side of the place, the side facing the Hudson River. Here's the view from the house. I think that may be the Tappan Zee Bridge, but I'm not sure. I crossed into New York somewhere a good deal farther north.

Lots of landscaping, trees and trees...

Living ones and dead ones, vertical ones and horizontal ones.

Down the hill, there were numerous apple trees, and numerous Canadian geese happy to avail themselves of the fruit and bugs. Lovely sight, though at the same time my mind kept flashing on Christmas feast tables set with roast goose with apples shoved in their beaks, etc. Not like I've ever actually seen such things, but that's my sense of humor for you.

Back side of the castle Lyndhurst, from the goose-apple section.

A more realistic sense of the space. You do get a bit of a workout wandering around here.

Lyndhurst Up Close and Personal

2007-11-05T18:18:00.000-06:00

It was certainly a nice morning to shoot pictures around an estate, and I got a lot of camera-playing in. Here are a set of building details...back at the front/side standard approach, complete with DS Festival attendees.

And here is the typical front angle view, well-known to those having seen the Dark Shadows movies. Though perhaps in a cheerier light.

View of the towers from the front.

Detail of the "gingerbread," the neoGothic stonework.

Directly in front of the porte-cochère.

I think I half-expect a drawbridge!

Upper right angle of the castle-like design.

Looking up at the lamp hanging within the porte-cochère.

Nifty reflections with the glasswork, too.

My own ghostly reflection in the door... Really, I was there. Admittedly I do have a knack for blending into things, no matter what whacky things I wear or do. Just another shadow...

Look up!

And finally, another shot of the tower, from right beneath. Must be quite a great view the other way 'round...at the very least a great spot to tip over a cauldron of boiling tar on the unwelcome.

(and if that isn't funny to you, you need to acquaint yourself with Charles Addams' work...)

Lyndhurst Rose Garden

2007-10-22T03:03:00.000-05:00

Ambling on river-wise from the greenhouse, there's the Rose Garden. Complete with gazebo, and even a lady to strike a pensive pose.

Sample of the output--a lovely, perfect pink summer rose. I thought the nicest angle of the gazebo was straight up.

A tuft of wildflowers to balance out the domesticity of roses. Or something like that.

What I called a Personali-Tree.

Down the hill is the bowling alley building, apparently under reconstruction. In the background is the Hudson River.

Skulking back toward the house...you can just see the port-cochere through the trees.

These comprise most of the front lawn end of Lyndhurst photos I took. Not far from this spot but a bit over towards the grove, I ran into an unexpected guest. Or actually, I presume, a resident...I was the unexpected guest. Mr. Beaver skittered through the brush and pretended I couldn't see him in a little grove. He made it part-way into a den hole and watched me as I watched him, both of us trying to decide what to do next. He wasn't in a good spot for a photo, and I don't think he wanted to come out and pose. So I bid him good afternoon and went on my way. I was marveling simply because I'd never seen a beaver out in the world before. I guess they have to live somewhere. Why not a cushy estate?

Lyndhurst Greenhouse

2007-10-22T02:34:00.000-05:00

Of course if you're going to make out, you need a place to instill the right mood. And next to the grove is the Lyndhurst greenhouse.

Great floofy snowballs...(I'm sure Barnabas always said that as an expletive).

Something out of an English garden or an Ed Gorey drawing, take your pick. Gothic revival planter...handy for garden parties and hiding things...like heads.

A trés artsy angle of the greenhouse fountain and surroundings.

Another view of the greenhouse fountain, facing a doorway/gate. A little art deco in a cage.

The greenhouse appeared to be very lavender, from where I stood.

Greenhouse ribs. And veggies.

Accidentally hit the color saturation button and rather liked the result. So here's the suped-up version of the Lyndhurst greenhouse garden!